Login / Signup

B

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Activity

Commentary

Children's bulletin

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

It's smart to love God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I want to ask you a question.
Name above all names -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do any of you have stuffed
Bread from heaven -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do any of you ever think about heaven?
Adoption is special -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Good morning! I brought a document to show you today. This
Sing and give thanks -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. (Hold up your church hymnal, ask
The new that stays new -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B
There once was a man who liked new things. He saved his
Give us ... -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Good morning! One of the great privileges we have as
The one who heals -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Good morning! Can any of you tell me what this is?
He is God! -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Good morning! I want you to look into this mirror and tell
Lifted up -- John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
People who are doctors and nurses and medical professionals
God's house is special -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. It seems like a special day to me today. Does it seem special to you?
God is love -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Have you ever thrown anyone a
Protective gear for Christians -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever heard of the devil?
What's a martyr? -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Good morning! How many of you know who John the Baptist was?
Life forever -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to play
A good exchange (for us) -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! On this first Sunday in Lent I'm going to give
Forever! -- Hebrews 7:23-28 (C) -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Good morning! If I had a sheet of paper like this (show
We all win! -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Good morning! Have any of you ever played in a baseball or
Till death do us part -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Good morning! Are any of you guys married? (Let them
Our bridge -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! Today we read that Jesus is a "priest
Patched by Jesus -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you remember when you were born?
Jesus, the true vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought two vines with me this
Taking the hard way -- John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
The cornerstone -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Good morning! I thought it would be fun to build a tower
Slow to speak, slow to anger -- James 1:17-27 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like the Sunday

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Dual Citizenship -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
In this week's Old Testament lectionary passage, the elders of Israel approach a clearly displeased
Bring Me The Head Of John The Baptizer -- Mark 6:14-29, Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
Historically speaking, we should currently be in the summer doldrums of this year's presidential cam
Even God Has Some Regrets, Apparently -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:35--16:13, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2012
In the lectionary epistle text for Proper 6 (2 Corinthians 5:6-17), Paul addresses the attitude we o
Joe's Halo -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
If the "printer-friendly" link doesn't work for you (which it won't if you are not a subscriber
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
Drones: Ancient And Modern -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Mary Austin -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2012
As the world watches the casualties mount in the conflict in Syria, we wonder -- when is it appropri
Strangers And Aliens In The Voting Booth -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, Paul addresses the squabble that had arisen in the Ephesi
Loving Wisely -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary text from the Hebrew scriptures brings us David's heart-wrenching lament over
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.
This Church Is Difficult; Who Can Accept It? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Jesus tells us in this week's lectionary gospel passage that "those who eat my flesh and drink my bl
Wealth: Boon Or Bane? -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Most people in our society look forward to retirement -- and one of the main attractions is the free
Enduring Much Under Many Physicians -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2012
Healing -- especially for our bodies -- is a primary concern in our lives.
Tradition Vs. Twitter -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
We all know that tradition is an important influence in human affairs...
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
Some Citizens United -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
After the conclusion of this week's Democratic convention, two months remain until the November elec
Proclaiming The Beloved... Or The Frontrunner -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2012
This week the 2012 presidential campaign begins in earnest as voters in Iowa and New Hampshire actua
James And The Giant... Picket Line? -- James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Teaching has always been a difficult and often thankless task, as James pointedly observes in the op
Kissing Babies, Shaking Hands, Looking Under Trees -- John 1:43-51, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
The political news in the past few weeks has been dominated by coverage of the Iowa caucuses and New
Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
The Politics Of Division -- Or Addition -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Making conclusions based on anecdotal evidence is a tricky proposition -- while it can often powerfu
Quirky Leadership -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2012
One of the main themes running throughout all of this week's lectionary passages is the authority th
Women And Children First -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about divorce in this week's lectionary gospel passage of
House Calls -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
In this week's lectionary gospel passage, Jesus continues his healing ministry by leaving the synago
Asking The Right Questions -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The questions we ask -- of ourselves, of one another, and even of God -- tend to reveal the underlyi

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

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
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
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
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
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
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.
Christmas -- Isaiah 62:6-7, 10-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:8-20 -- George M. Bass -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1990
Note: A detailed study, with sermon suggestions, is available for the first Christmas service in Cyc
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 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
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
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
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
The very subtle change of the preposition of for after (as evidenced in the title of this Sunday as
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
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.
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
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
Easter Vigil -- Mark 10:39b -- George M. Bass -- Easter Day - B -- 1990
(Note: Details about the Easter Vigil are included in the Lectionary Preaching Workbook, Cycle A.
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
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.
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1990
The weekly rhythm of the church year should be clearly perceived by the preacher by this time of the

The Immediate Word

I Will Pour Out My Spirit On All Flesh -- Acts 2.1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Sermon

SermonStudio

Hear, Hear -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
A woman went to see a divorce lawyer.
Religion Without Guile -- John 1:43-51 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
It was one of those delightful stories out of the American Frontier.
Heed The Call! -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
The old preacher was retiring for the evening.
Times Of Refreshing -- Acts 3:12-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Our text is part of a sermon preached by Peter following the healing of a crippled man.
Jesus: The Only Way To God? -- Acts 4:5-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
These words attributed to Peter, "There is salvation in no one else," raise a difficult issue.
Working Out In The Gymnasium Of Faith -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Good athletes make it all seem so easy: precision, coordination, grace, and strength.
To Have And To Hold (Your Tongue) -- Acts 10:44-48 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
There once was a Roman Catholic priest, an Episcopalian rector, a Presbyterian minister, and a Luthe
Academics, Fanatics, And Other Disciples -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
I must confess that I am not much of a fisherman.
Making The Worst Of A Bad Situation -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Her father was an alcoholic. Her mother worked most all the time. She had little choice.
Kindness In Action: Evangelism -- Acts 8:26-40 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Let's play Sherlock Holmes for a bit and see what deductions we can make about the characters in thi
Christian Optimism -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
While waiting at an airport, years ago, I saw a couple in their thirties bring an older woman to her
Decisions, Decisions -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Think of how many decisions you make in a day:
A New Kind Of Teaching -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
Teachers and teaching have been with us since the world began.
Curbs On Cornfields -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
In the early part of this century, Henry Ford and his brother-in-law Howell Graves visited Muscle Sh
Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire -- Acts 10:44-48 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Charles Wesley began one of the Methodist Church's favorite hymns with this line: "Come Holy Ghost,
Postmarked In Heaven -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Some time ago a friend called me in the middle of a very busy day.
Held In His Arms -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for collec
The Need For A Community Of Healing -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
A friend of mine finally came home from the hospital. He came home alive.
Gifts Without Grasping! -- 1 Samuel 17:57--18:5, 10-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
I don't know about you, but I hate the guys who minimize and criticize the guys whose enterprise has
On Not Being First -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
We Americans have long had a love affair with winners.
Choices Of The Heart -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Tony Campolo tells of the weekend he spent in Las Vegas, speaking at a church conference.
Arc Of The Covenant -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Paul W. Kummer -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
James Gilmour was a missionary to Mongolia and was asked to treat some wounded soldiers.
Love, Medicine, And Miracles -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
It was the cover story in Psychology Today.
For Crying Out Loud! -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
My dog really wasn't much of a dog, but he was my dog. His name was Jack II.
ChristianOptimism -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
While waiting at an airport, years ago, I saw a couple in their thirties bring an older woman

Stories

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Jesus' healing of the woman with a flow of blood and the ruler's daughter -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Announcement - You're the one, Mary! You're the ones, church! -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Invitation to the Corporate CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus' inability to do any mighty works in his own community because of the peoples' disbelief -- Mark 6:1-6 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:

The Immediate Word

What Kindness Teaches -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Sword Will Pierce Your Own Soul Also -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Dear fellow preachers,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Christian Perspectives On War -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Sometimes God Is There -- So Quickly! -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Dear fellow preachers,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Reverence At Ballgames -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Universal Salvation, Universal Scandal, Or What? -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- George L. Murphy -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Savior Until The Palms Run Out -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Carter Shelley
Dear Fellow Preacher,
"shock And Awe" -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B
Dear Preacher,
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

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.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL