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A grand opening -- Luke 24:44-54 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Open up! -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. When you wake up in the morning, what do your eyes do?
Ephphatha -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Good morning! What is this I have here in my hand? (Show the
Hope -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Day of Pentecost - B
HAPPY PENTECOST! Did you know that today is one of the
Famous Jesus -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know anyone famous?
Understanding comes from God -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! How many of you can read? (Let them answer.)
Related to Jesus -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
A birth certificate says a lot about a person. My birth
She gave all she had -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a penny with me this
Jesus our high priest forever -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. In a few weeks we are going to
It's a gift! -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! I want you to see this pay stub that I brought
When Jesus broke the rules -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a pillow with me this
A fitting monument -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Appreciating our baptism -- Mark 1:4-11 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Good morning! I want you all to come with me over here to
God's spokes-person -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Many times the Bible talks about the unity of our faith.
A promise through faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Has someone ever promised to
Faith has no favorites -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a pair of glasses with
Health clinic -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Where do you see medical objects like this? (Let them
Here, there, and everywhere -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Controlling the tongue -- James 3:1-12 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Does anyone here have a horse or do you ride a horse?
Curb your tongue! -- James 3:1-12 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Good morning! I brought something good for you today. I
The Advocate comes -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B
The lowly caterpillar crawls along the ground like a worm.
Paul shared news about Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
It's not complicated -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! I want to show you something today and see
Better than Superman! -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Does everyone know about Superman? He is a regular man, but
A mystery -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Today I want to explain everything about the kingdom of God

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

One of the major heresies... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
One of the major heresies that threatened the early church was the heresy of Gnosticism which over-e
The Great Sphinx of Giza... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Ron Love -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
The Great Sphinx of Giza is the oldest monumental sculpture on earth.
NULL -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
In her book The Undoing of Death, Fleming Rutledge explores the meaning of the cross by refer
100 billion stars... -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
It's estimated that there are over 100 billion stars in our galaxy.
Jose Guadalupe Posada, renowned Mexican cartoonist and illustrator... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark J. Molldrem -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
Jose Guadalupe Posada, renowned Mexican cartoonist and illustrator, used calaveras (animated
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 11:1-15
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
If we were to paraphrase these words in today's parlance, it would sound like this: "Who do you thin
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
What happened to peace on earth? Why do we have to put up with all these birth pangs?
Isaiah's call... -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
Isaiah's call. We make a big deal of responding to God's call. It is odd.
NULL -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
With a lot of earthly wisdom and femme fatale, Esther achieved justice for the Jewish people, perhap
When John Wesley, the founder of Methodism... -- John 3:14-21 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
When John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was six years old, the parsonage in which the Wesley fam
In the musical Rent... -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
In the musical Rent the hit song "Seasons of Love" speaks of 526,600 minutes in a year.
During the Communist witch hunt... -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
During the Communist witch hunt, led by Senator Joe McCarthy, many individuals in the film industry
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile.
Paul refers to Christ creating one new humanity... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
Paul refers to Christ creating one new humanity, especially in the church.
NULL -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
A 2008 Pew Forum poll revealed that 65% of the American public believe that many religions (not just
Ruby looked forward to church potlucks... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
At 103, Ruby looked forward to church potlucks.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
NULL -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
We are awed by war stories of heroes who took a bullet for a friend.
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Solomon built the first temple, which was destroyed by the Babylonians in the sixth century.
John Killinger tells the story of a man deeply depressed... -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
Paul writes: "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; se
NULL -- James 5:13-20 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Prayer comes up often in scripture. Can you point to prayers that God has answered for you?
We celebrated Christmas sometime back... -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Craig Kelly -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
We celebrated Christmas sometime back, and of course, one of the common sights at Christmas is the t
When the British monarch is coronated... -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Craig Kelly -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
When the British monarch is coronated, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland gives the new king or
Someone asked me one day... -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Someone asked me one day, "How much do you earn a year?" I answered him, "I earn about $750,000." He

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

God has come among us in the person of his Son -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God has come among us in the person of his Son. Let us rejoice!
The Easter Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
The Development Of The Season
Hope for the future -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Hope for the future.
The God of the universe takes on the form of a servant -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The God of the universe takes on the form of a servant, suffering not only abuse
The light of the Lord's saving presence is announced in the Old Testament and revealed in the New -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The light of the Lord's saving presence is announced in the Old Testament and re
God's immeasurable grace -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's immeasurable grace.
The Spirit gives life -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Through the gift of the Holy Spirit the church witnesses to the saving power of
The call of God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The call of God.
The Pentecost Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
The Meaning Of The Name
The right time -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The right time.
The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious authorities -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious author
Divine authority -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Divine authority.
Facing the enemy -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Facing the enemy. God and his servants can expect opposition.
The Lord's saving help for the downtrodden and the weak -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Lord's saving help for the downtrodden and the weak.
Life through death -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Life through death.
God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water.
Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life.
Forgiveness of sins -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Forgiveness of sins.
The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The power of God in Christ to deliver us from sickness and death.
The marriage covenant -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The marriage covenant in both the First Lesson and the Gospel provides an image
God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our weaknesses -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our
The Epiphany Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Epiphany Through The Centuries
Unity through the Lordship and headship of Christ -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Unity through the Lordship and headship of Christ.
Building the kingdom of God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Building the kingdom of God.
God fills us with the Bread of Life for our bodies and our spirits -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God fills us with the Bread of Life for our bodies and our spirits.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Living With Money -- And Still Being Christian -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
News from the financial section of the paper is seldom as interesting as whatever's on the front pag
From Silence To Sight -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
Playwright Neil Simon has written a comedy, God's Favorite, based on a contemporary Job, a ty
Speaking With Prophetic Authority -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
"Free at last, free at last -- thank God Almighty, we are free at last." These words were spoken by
The Passion Of The Servant Leader -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Ron Lavin -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
The Passion Of The Servant Leader
Experiencing God -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Experiencing God
Don't Fear The Wait -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A long time ago there lived a little boy whose parents had died.
What's So Amazing About Grace? -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
What's So Amazing About Grace?
Parades And Crosses -- The Challenge Of Ministry -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
He had grown up in a fashionable suburb of a large American city, a cosmopolitan area of considerab
The Strange Economy In The Kingdom Of God -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2005
I saw one of those Far Side-type cartoons a while back that showed Adam and Eve being expelle
Baby Blues -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Baby Blues
Sharing The Message Of Christ -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
They called her "Sister" and to many thousands who jammed the Angelus Temple in Los Angeles on a reg
Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Here's a fact about life: things change.
Blazing A Path To Christ -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." When we were children we were taught this little rhyme as
Thanksgiving And Thanksliving -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Don't you just love times of thanksgiving?
Looking To The Unseen -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
It once was reported on the news that one of our Mariner spacecraft was expected to make a new disco
Far From The Obscuring Crowd -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
More than forty years ago, an accidental chemical spill robbed Antonio Sanchez-Migallon of his sight
Dusting Off Our Gratitude -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In the Deep South there is a most unusual monument paying homage to, of all things, the boll weevil.
The Compassion Of Christ -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time, there was a city which was adorned by a beautiful statue.
Being What We Are -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Being What We Are
A New Day Is Coming -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
South Africa, a nation rich in resources, people, and possibility, only recently emerged from its da
No More Camping Out -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
I wanted to see if we could get a show of hands today.
No-fault Religion -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
It happened in a church parking lot, and my friend saw it happen.
The Kin Of Qoheleth -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Today's Gospel Reading is from Mark, but I want to begin in the Old Testament.
When Nothing Is Sacred -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Stan Purdum -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
The television season of 1997-1998 included a series on ABC called Nothing Sacred.
Jesus Destroys The Power Of Sin -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
A story is told about how Leonardo da Vinci created one of his great masterpieces, Last Supper

Stories

StoryShare

Then A Voice Came -- John 12:28b-29 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "Then a Voice Came" by Loxley Ann Schlosser
To Bind Up The Brokenhearted -- Isaiah 61:1-3b -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Sharing Visions: "To Bind Up the Brokenhearted" by Roy Nelson
Dudley The Dreary Donkey -- Mark 11:1-2 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Holy Week, April 13-18, 2003Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt
What Is God Saying? -- Luke 1:28-29 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Contents Sharing Visions: "What Is God Saying?" by Susan D. Jamison
Life-Giving Plasma -- Psalm 23, Matthew 28:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Easter Day - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Life-Giving Plasma" by Harold Weaver
Christmas Communion -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Contents Sharing Visions: "Christmas Communion" by John E. Sumwalt

SermonStudio

My Encounter With God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Robert L. Gossett -- Day of Pentecost - B
A United Methodist pastor, lying on a Lutheran gymnasium floor, struggling with God about speaking i
No One Is Lost -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Keith R. Eytcheson, Sr. -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
A few years ago, one of my nephews went through an emotional break-up with a girlfriend.
Kathy's Caterpillar -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Diana Lampsa -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
On a recent August morning, I raced into the drive of a retreat center, late for my morning appointm
Waiting For God -- Psalm 19 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
I begin my prayer time some mornings with the following meditation.
Visions Of The Nativity -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rochelle M. Pennington
Christmas EveLuke 2:1-20Visions Of The Nativity
My Labyrinth Prayer -- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Ann Watson Peterson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
On a cold, snowy evening, I climbed the stairs of Calvary Presbyterian Church to walk the Labyrinth
Consolation -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lori Hetzel -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
My mother died on January 20, 2001. I am her only daughter, and we were very close.
Then A Voice Came -- John 12:20-33 -- John E. Sumwalt, Loxley Ann Schlosser -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified [my name], and I will glorify it again." The crowd
Born Of The Spirit -- John 3:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Earl Kammerud -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Do not be astonished that I said to you, "You must be born from above." The wind blows where it choo
A Life Redeemed -- Psalm 103:1-13, 22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Vickie Eckoldt -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
At age 42, I was faced with two major surgeries within six weeks.
Three Days Of Meditation -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Von Bergen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Day One
The Power Of The Cross -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Wendy Wosoba -- Good Friday - B
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws
Grounded In Love -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kai M. Mcclinton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in
A Dog With Soul -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, John Zingaro -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you a
Reaping Joy -- Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - B
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
God's Faithfulness -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Edgar A. Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
As I look back over my relationship with God, two events, which I believe were miracles, stand out t
Transfigured -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth
Still Hope -- Psalm 41 -- John E. Sumwalt, John W. Doll -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
My brother has a daughter who is as beautiful as any woman could ever hope to be.
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
And I know that such a person -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows --

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Just A Few Drops Of Water -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Quiet baptismal water connects us to God forever.
Sound The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Instead Of You -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
A Reason -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Is it possible that human weaknesses are for a reason?
Good For You -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Creation is light.
An Understanding Mind -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who are weary from their labors gather now for worship!
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all of God's people come together for worship and praise!
Proper 8 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: May the Lord's mercy and grace fall upon those who lead us!
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us give praise and honor to the Lord God Almighty!
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Thanksgiving Day -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- James R. Wilson -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us give thanks for the wonderful blessings of God!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday -- Matthew 5:9 -- James R. Wilson -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would seek God's holy peace come together this day!
First Sunday After Pentecost -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord, our God, is One and worthy to be praised!
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
World-wide Communion Sunday -- Acts 10:23b-48 -- James R. Wilson -- 1996
Call To Worship
January 1 -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all who love the Lord gather in this house for worship!
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 11:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Call To Worship

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Little Ado -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
What Makes You Change? -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Theme: What Makes You Change?Call To WorshipLeader: What changes us?
So, Anyway -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
In These Days -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Getting It Straight -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
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John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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