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A special one-time event -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to talk about things that only happen once.
The Light -- Luke 2:22-4 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Today is "Groundhog Day." Why is that? (Let them answer.)
Heirs of God -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Good morning! I want to show you this legal document today.
Foolishness! -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! Today I want to show you a medication. It
Why do we follow Jesus? -- John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Let us pray -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Good morning! I want to talk to you today about prayer. Can
Pray for guidance -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. What am I doing when I do this?
Put on God's armor -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a baseball cap of my
Power comes from God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning! I brought this ________ with me today. What is
Not for sale! -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Good morning! Money can buy all kinds of things. What are
Jesus-time -- Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought with me today something that all of us have probably seen.
The Light shining in darkness -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Sometimes the darkness can be frightening. Have you ever
The Nunc Dimittis -- Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Good morning! How many of you go to school? (Let them
A sign -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! (Holding up the road sign) We use signs like
Attracted to Jesus -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I want you to look at this painting.
Saved! -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
I brought some rope with me this morning to help me tell a
Watching for signs -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know what the word "danger" means?
Enemies and friends -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Good morning! How many of you like football? (Let them
A very special seed -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of your parents plant
We have come to believe -- John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever played
Familiarity breeds contempt -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning! Here is a newspaper article about
Talking to God -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Jesus once prayed to God just as we pray to God. When I
Looking for heaven -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to look for something special.
He was transfigured -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
How many of you saw a caterpillar last summer? (Let them
Be like chameleons -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Good morning! Have you ever seen one of these? (Show the

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A 2006 Pew Foundation survey... -- John 6:56-69 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
A 2006 Pew Foundation survey and a Baylor Religion Survey of the same year found that 4 in 10 Americ
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
As a church youth director, Ardi received lots of flyers in her mailbox.
Why does God so love the world?... -- John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
Why does God so love the world (v. 16)? The Triune God knows no other way.
The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son Absalom is a love that seems to
NULL -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Arthur Gordon was a writer who helped many people on their own spiritual journeys, yet he had his ow
Paul reminded the constituents... -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Paul reminded the constituents in the church at Corinth "of the good news that I proclaimed to you,
One week a picture of a Harvard University president appeared... -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
One week a picture of a Harvard University president appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazi
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Abraham was not perfect. He had his ups and downs!
The words of the Song of Solomon 2:8-13... -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
The words of the Song of Solomon 2:8-13 introduce a section of springtime love in the book.
NULL -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Unlike the rich man in our biblical text, Francis of Assisi was willing to give up all his riches fo
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 (2012) -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Richard A. Hasler, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20
Garret Keizer in his provocative book... -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
Garret Keizer in his provocative book, The Enigma of Anger, tells a story about his father-in
NULL -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Martin Luther provides compelling images about this text: "Day and night everybody's concern is how
The boy was saddened and cried... -- John 20:1-18 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Chuck Swindoll in his book, Growing Deep in the Christian Life relates the story about a Sund
Billy Graham in his book Angels: God's Secret Agents... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Billy Graham, in his book Angels: God's Secret Agents, affirms the existence of these servant
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Hans Rosling, 63, is trained in statistics and medicine.
Many Americans do not feel God to be directly involved in their lives... -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Many Americans do not feel God to be directly involved in their lives.
NULL -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Why is Jesus so tough on the rich? Why is it harder to enter God's kingdom if you are rich?
The people put pressure on Samuel... -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
The people put pressure on Samuel to anoint a king, and Samuel prays to God for guidance.
In calling himself the bread of life... -- John 6:34, 41-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
In calling himself the bread of life, Jesus was making the point about how essential he is for human
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2012) -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9
There is something fascinating about illusionists... -- John 20:1-18 -- Craig Kelly -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
There is something fascinating about illusionists like David Copperfield or Penn and Teller.
Garret Keizer tells the story of three women... -- John 2:13-22 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Garret Keizer tells the story of three women in the 1970s who entered a store that sold pornography,
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2012) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Ruth 1:1-18
The Andersons raced into church on the last verse of the opening hymn... -- James 1:17-27 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
The Andersons raced into church on the last verse of the opening hymn.

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The Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1990
The liturgical and theological function of the festival of Epiphany is to manifest the full glory of
Proper 25 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1990
In the older liturgies and lectionaries, three themes - sinfulness, godliness, and loving service -
Second Sunday after the Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1990
In the "old" lectionary, the Sundays of Epiphany continued the manifestation theme mostly with the m
Christ the King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- George M. Bass -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
In the homiletical studies for the Lectionary Preaching Workbook III, Cycle A, it was pointed out th
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- George M. Bass -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
Something of a minor liturgical controversy surrounds the celebration of the Ascension of our Lord.
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
The Sunday received its title - Reminiscere - from verse 5 of the Twenty-fifth Psalm, "Remember, O L
Corpus Christi -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- George M. Bass -- 1990
Corpus Christi is a festival that few, if any, Protestants celebrate.
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- George M. Bass -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
The liturgical clue comes from the secular calendar, rather than the church year - with an assist fr
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
The Second Sunday of Advent could be called "Preparation Sunday." It points to, first of all, the se
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1990
The title of this day - Ash Wednesday (the rite when ashes are placed on the foreheads of penitents
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1990
It is essential for the parish preacher to be aware of the meaning and purpose of Sunday for the Chr
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1990
In those congregations where the contemporary hymn of praise, "This is the feast of victory for our
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1990
Christians live between the time of the Lord's resurrection and his anticipated return to the earth.
All Saints' Day -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
All Saints' Day is one of those days in the church year calendar that many Protestant congregations
Sunday of the Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- George M. Bass -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1990
The transfer of the Sunday of the Passion from the Fifth Sunday in Lent to the Sixth Sunday in Lent
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Usually by this Sunday in the northern hemisphere, the church finds itself approaching mid-summer, w
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
The church year theological clue
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Two-thirds of the Pentecost cycle/season will have been completed in this Sunday's and next week's w
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George M. Bass -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
No matter what name is given to this Sunday, it remains the Sunday before the Ascension of the Lord.
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- George M. Bass -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Liturgically official or not, the Seventh Sunday of Easter is the Sunday after the Ascension, if not
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Two-thirds of the Pentecost cycle/season will have been completed in this Sunday's and next week's w
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
The church year theological clue
Proper 8 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1990
The Easter event continues to be the heart of the Sunday worship, when God's people celebrate Sunday
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1990
At this juncture in the church year, which is now well into the second half of Pentecost, the preach
All Saints' Day -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
All Saints' Day is one of those days in the church year calendar that many Protestant congregations

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You Are Free To Fail -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Following his service as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the dark days of World War II, Winst
Gifted People -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
You and I are "gifted" people. We live in a "gifted" country. We gather in a "gifted" institution.
The Making Of A Saint -- John 11:32-44 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel is difficult to preach on All Saints' Sunday.
The Healing Touch -- Mark 5:21-43 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Recently, when I renewed my driver's license, I was presented with the opportunity to renew the acco
Sweet-Smelling Fragrance -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Realtors tell us that an empty house is difficult to sell.
Turn On The Lights -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Many people don't realize the extent of the preparations involved when the President of the United S
When The Boat Begins To Sink -- Mark 4:35-41 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
In the Gardener Museum in Boston hangs Rembrandt's painting of The Storm on the Sea of Galilee.
The Highest Bidder -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
An auction is a fun event, especially when you are the highest bidder for an item you really want to
Promises, Promises, Promises -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
This morning's Gospel from Luke recounts God's announcement to Mary that she was to become the Mothe
It's Happening! -- Mark 4:26-34 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
In an effort to stimulate their thoughts about the nature of God, I invited a group of teenagers to
Grace In The Midst Of Dividing Walls -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
According to those whose job it is to know such things, it only takes three weeks to become blind to
Reverse Direction -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
It's human nature to be excited about meeting a celebrity in person.
Is Anything Unforgivable? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
One morning I was roused from sleep around 3 a.m. by the ringing of the telephone.
Grace In The Midst Of Guilt And Shame -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
At the begining of his ministry Jesus had a chance to impress the people he grew up with.
Preparing For Something Big -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Paul E. Flesner -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
How are you getting ready for Christmas? Have you gotten out your Christmas tapes or CDs yet?
A New Look For The New Year -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Just a few days ago we greeted loved ones and friends with a cheery, "Happy New Year." And we sincer
Keeping Sunday -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
One of the churches where I served was located next to a Jewish synagogue.
Grace In The Midst Of Hopelessness -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Submarine accidents are rare. Successful submarine rescues, unfortunately, are rarer still.

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The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.
Too Good To Be True? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Here's the scene.
You Are Free To Fail -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Following his service as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the dark days of World War II, Winst
Sweet-Smelling Fragrance -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Realtors tell us that an empty house is difficult to sell.
Is Anything Unforgivable? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
One morning I was roused from sleep around 3 a.m. by the ringing of the telephone.
First Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Curtis Lewis -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Have you ever seen the aurora borealis?
Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'

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God the vinedresser; Jesus the vine; we the branches -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus healing the bed-ridden -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Theme: Jesus healing the bed-ridden, followed by the hostility of the scribes.
Birth of the World's Savior - Include the themes of crucifixion, resurrection, Pentecost -- Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1990
Suggestion: Use the following themes to identify each section of the order of worship:
Friendship with God -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider these ideas:
Watchfulness -- Mark 13:32-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Suggested quotes at the beginning and end of the order of worship:
Mark contrasts the showy religion of the Pharisees with the modest religion of the poor widow -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
The holiness and truth of God centered in the response of God's creation -- John 17:11-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Signs of the end -- Mark 13:1-13, 24-32 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Witnessing - Bearing witness to the light of the world -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Invitation to the Corporate CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Signs of the end - The return of Christ symbolized by the fig tree -- Mark 13:24-31 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Pentecost, the Season of the Holy Spirit -- 1990
Pentecost, meaning "Fiftieth Day," has its roots in the ancient Jewish Feast of Weeks, a celebration
Pilate's question: 'Are you the Jews' king?' -- John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The Coming and Presence of Holy Spirit -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, John 7:37-39a, John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Bulletin HeadingConsider this:
The Trinity of God: -- John 3:1-17, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
the Protestant Reformation -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Suggestion:
Jesus' eating and healing on the Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
The raising of Lazarus -- John 11:32-44, Matthew 5:1-12 -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Preparing for and participating in the Passover -- Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' reminder to, and departure from, the disciples -- Luke 24:44-53, Mark 16:15-20 -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Religious leaders accusing Jesus in league with the demons -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Thanksgiving -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Parables of the Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus' presentation in the temple. Jesus' blessing; his parents' amazement. -- Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Jesus' calming of the sea: the disciples' fear and awe -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
John's version of the Christmas story - The Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
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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!”

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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.

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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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