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Children's Activity

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A baptism discovery -- Acts 19:1-7 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a game (name the game)
Keep alert -- Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! What is this thing? (Show the timer and let
Jesus was sad -- John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B
Good morning! Today I have a card I sometimes send to
The first and the last -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know what the words Alpha and Omega mean?
The real number one -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you like to play board games?
Conquering the world -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! Here is a picture of a very famous man. This
Excel in your giving! -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Good morning! When the apostle Paul wrote to the
Sleeping through the storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever been in a boat?
The name of Jesus -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B
Good morning! Let's have everyone say his or her name this
The beginning and the end -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Good morning, boys and girls. What's your favorite book? (Let
Saying "Yes" to Jesus -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Is everyone happy?
What's the good news? -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Good morning! When Jesus was beginning his ministry, he said
Calming the storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever been
Waiting for Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we begin the new church year.
Spiritual batteries -- John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Every one of us wants to live. That is the way God created
The guiding light -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Have you ever gone into your
Learning to wait -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! What do I have here? (Show the calendar and
Join God's family -- Mark 1:4-11 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
(Note: Some of the terminology in this lesson may need to be
Always...without ceasing...all... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! Now I want everyone to put on one of these
He's coming back! -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Good morning! Today I brought a picture of someone you
He's got the whole world -- John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Pray for the sick -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you say a prayer
Choosing up sides -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! I'd like to play a little game with you this
Unfunny laughter -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Most of us like to laugh. (Play the recording of laughter.)
Sharing with others -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Jesus wants to maintain our saltiness; he gives us more salt!
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 8:26-40
Leonard Sweet brings the Letter of James up-to-date... -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Leonard Sweet brings the Letter of James up-to-date in his criticism of those who favor the rich ove
It is so easy for us to look at our bank accounts and think that we're not making a lot of money... -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Craig Kelly -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
It is so easy for us to look at our bank accounts and think that we're not making a lot of money.
The text leads us to the old question... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
The text leads us to the old question -- whether God is imminent (here in and among us) or transcend
The United States has seen three distinct instances... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Craig Kelly -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The United States has seen three distinct instances of religious revival in its history, known as Gr
NULL -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
The church I attend in retirement meets in a storefront sanctuary.
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General.
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Bob Ove -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
What will our last words be? What will we leave to our children? Those words of David give me hope.
Lynn Caines and lifelines -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Lynn Caines, in her autobiographical Lifelines, tells how in the midst of her struggle to ove
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2012) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Bryan Mattimore, a creativity expert, tells the story... -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
Bryan Mattimore, a creativity expert, tells the story of Leonardo da Vinci preparing a shield for hi
NULL -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
John shows how far the disciples were from understanding Jesus' teachings.
Sermon Illustrations for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
In 1993, mountaineer Greg Mortenson failed to climb K2... -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
In 1993, mountaineer Greg Mortenson failed to climb K2, second-highest mountain on earth, located on
When Melinda Gates returned from Bangladesh... -- John 10:11-18 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
When Melinda Gates returned from Bangladesh, she shared what she learned about the humanitarian work
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2012) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
In a couple of months... -- John 12:20-33 -- Craig Kelly -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In a couple of months, the world's eyes will look to a lit cauldron atop a massive stadium in the ci
NULL -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (part of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S.
Francis of Assisi patterned his own order the Brothers Minor... -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Francis of Assisi patterned his own order the Brothers Minor after Jesus' description of sending the
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Evan was graduating.
During the NFL lockout... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
This past summer during the NFL lockout, coaches and staff were prohibited from working with the pla
NULL -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Job's encounter with God left him speechless, silenced him regarding all his previous questions and
David did not gloat over the victory over Saul... -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2012
David did not gloat over the victory over Saul.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2012) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Ron Love, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Job 1:1; 2:1-10

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1993
O Lord, how manifold are your works!In wisdom you have made them all;
27th Sunday After Pentecost -- Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Mark 13:24-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1993
The Ancient of Days takes his seat on the throne of judgment.
Advent 4 -- Psalm 89:1-4 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
Proper 29 -- Psalm 93 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1993
The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty;
Proper 10 -- Psalm 132:11-18 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1993
The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back:
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1993
David is situated in Jerusalem with his government and he
Last Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 50:1-6 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1993
The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun
Proper 4 -- Psalm 81:1-10 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob.
Proper 11 -- Psalm 53 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1993
Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God."
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1993
Through Nathan, Yahweh refuses David's intention of building a
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
This pericope comes from the third section of Isaiah (chapters
Proper 5 -- Psalm 61:1-5 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1993
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.From the end of the earth I call to you,
Proper 12 -- Psalm 32 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1993
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1993
Here is the story of a tragedy of a great man's downfall, of
Baptism Of Jesus -- Psalm 29 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1993
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
These verses open the second part of Isaiah dealing with the
Proper 6 -- Psalm 92:1-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1993
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
Proper 13 -- Psalm 34:11-22 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1993
Come, O children, listen to me; I till teach you the fear of the Lord.
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 78:23-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1993
The deed was done. Uriah was killed in battle and Bathsheba
Easter -- Psalm 118:14-24 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
Isaiah 61:1-13 is the text for Jesus' inaugural sermon at
Proper 7 -- Psalm 107:1-3 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1993
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Proper 14 -- Psalm 143:1-8 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness;
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
David's rebellious son, Absalom, sought to gain the kingship

Sermon

SermonStudio

Salvation Is A Journey, Not An Arrival -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In this Information Age, we find summaries of the news helpful.
Lord Of The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading shows Jesus in a position of conflict with the religious leaders of his day, a po
God Our Protector And Shield -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
James Gillis, a priest and writer in the mid-twentieth century, became well known as a commentator o
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Ron Lavin -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins
Faith As Alternating Current -- 1 John 3:16-20 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Some troublesome things about the Christian life are its mood swings.
Brothers And Sisters Of Jesus -- Mark 3:20-35 -- George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
The gospels are very open in sharing the opposition that Jesus faced in his ministry.
Living The Word Of God -- James 1:17-27 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Mohandas Gandhi was born in Porbandar in the present state of Gujarat, India, on October 2, 1869.
Salvation In Jesus' Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- Ron Lavin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Salvation In Jesus' Name
Love -- The Only Absolute Commandment -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Love is central to the New Testament message. Jesus called his followers to practice love.
On Trusting The Work Of God -- Mark 4:26-34 -- George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Jesus spoke to the people in parables about the reign of God.
Strength Through Diversity -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time.
Yesterday, Today, And Forever -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Ron Lavin -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient.
The Commandments Are Not Burdensome -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- John T. Ball -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In the Exodus story, Moses leads the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity and takes them to the moun
Where Is Your Trust? -- Mark 4:35-41 -- George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
If it was not Jesus who was asking the question, our reaction to the speaker would probably be somet
Engage Mind Before Putting Mouth In Gear -- James 3:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
When we were children our parents often quoted us the expression, "Sticks and stones can break my bo
God's Surprises -- Acts 10:44-48 -- Ron Lavin -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
God's Surprises
The Blessings Of Writing -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay
Anticipation -- Mark 13:32-27 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
To say that to live between the advents is to live in anticipation is really redundant.
Caring For The "Little Ones" -- Mark 5:21-43 -- George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
This Gospel Reading from Mark is two stories entwined together.
God's Wisdom Or The World? -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time there was an old man who lived on the outskirts of town.
Man Proposes; God Disposes -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Ron Lavin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Man Proposes; God Disposes
True Resurrections -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today, Easter is the central festival of the church, out of which comes two derivative festivals, Ch
Getting It Straight -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
What a colorful figure Paul must have been in flesh and blood!
Assurance -- Psalm 85 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
We live our lives suspended somewhere between a period and an ellipsis.
Anywhere But Home -- Mark 6:1-13 -- George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
The Gospel of Mark is filled with action.

Stories

StoryShare

Dancing Before The Lord -- Frank R. Fisher, Stan Purdum, John E. Sumwalt, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
The Promised Land -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Psalm 89:20-37 -- C. David Mckirachan, Robert A. Beringer, Sil Galvan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Resting Up"
At Least I'm Not That Bad -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Terry Cain, David O. Bales, Peter C. Garrison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Making a Difference"
The Finest Bread -- John 6:35, 41-51, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Frank R. Fisher, Constance Berg, James E. Sargent -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "The Bread of Life"
Waiting For God -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Terry Cain, James E. Sargent -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week Good Stories: "Waiting For God" by Terry Cain
It's All Heart -- John 6:24-35, Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Constance Berg, Charles Cammarata, Gregory L. Tolle, B. Kathleen Fannin -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
The Wisest Person I've Ever Known -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, C. David Mckirachan, Susan K. Hedahl -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Carpe Kairos"
Solomon's Prayer -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- David O. Bales, Terry Cain, Jo Perry-Sumwalt, Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
The Painting -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Charles Cammarata, Constance Berg, Gregory L. Tolle, Henry Scholberg -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Being Richly Alive -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 146 -- Frank R. Fisher, Sil Galvan, Dallas A. Brauninger, Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Glory -- Mark 8:27-38, James 3:1-12, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Constance Berg -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
What's Up This Week
Not Cheating The Taxman? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Constance Berg, Charles Cammarata -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
A Dishonest Painter -- Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Contents Post-9/11 Comfort
Becoming A Child -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16, Psalm 26 -- Frank R. Fisher, Terry Cain -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
A Fist And A Kiss -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Contents
Talking To God -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 26 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Do You Have To Be Smart To Be A Christian? -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Terry Cain, David O. Bales -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Unanswerable -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- David O. Bales, Terry Cain -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week A Good Story: "Unanswerable" by David O. Bales
Pass It On -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- David O. Bales, Susan K. Hedahl, Richard A. Jensen, Charles Cammarata -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Based on Revised Common Lectionary texts:
Awe Is The Answer -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 46 -- Charles Cammarata, Constance Berg, Sil Galvan, Frank R. Fisher -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
ContentsProper 25
Upon The Waters -- Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Frank R. Fisher, Sil Galvan, Gregory L. Tolle, Constance Berg, Henry Scholberg -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Based on Revised Common Lectionary texts: Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-10
Innocent Until Proven Guilty -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales, Terry Cain -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Abiding In Christ -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Frank R. Fisher, B. Kathleen Fannin, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week
A Steady God In An Unsteady World -- John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 24 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan -- All Saints Day - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
We Still Love You, Daddy -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Charles Cammarata, Paul Lintern, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Contents What's Up This Week

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Search Me, O God, And Know Me -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use before the pastoral prayer.
The Birth Of Jesus Announced -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively)God's face shines upon us in Christ.
PROPER 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPCome into God's presence with a clean heart, with a new and right
Living By Faith -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Two Wisdom Stories -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
The New Heaven And The New Earth -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use as an anthem.
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Psalm 62:5-12 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPLet your heart wait silently before God; our hope of salvation is
PROPER 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPAwait God's presence and hope in God's word as if you were
Two Parables -- The Growing Seed and The Mustard Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
The Last Days -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - B -- 1993
Jesus Is Taken Up To Heaven -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28, Psalm 111 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPHappy is the person who takes delight in the word of the Lord and
PROPER 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPPraise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD with all your heart.
David And Goliath -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
The Burial Of Jesus -- John 19:38-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Holy Saturday - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or see

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Abraham, man of faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all of God's people come together and share our faith!
Accepting our crosses and following -- Mark 8:31-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
God's covenant: a blessing and a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
John the Baptist proclaims the Christ is come. -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- James R. Wilson -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Genesis 1:1-5 Theme: Meeting the God of Eternity
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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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