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Children's Activity

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A house of worship -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Strength from God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sak
A seat in heaven -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I want to ask you a very special question.
Spread the good news -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean
Come into the light -- John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Our inheritance -- Ephesians 1:3-14
In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him
What is perfect? -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know what you can never be?
No grudges allowed -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him.... (v. 19a)
Bearing fruit -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Every knee shall bend -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today is one of the very special days in the church.
Blending -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing
Before the cock crows twice -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Passion Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Preaching from a boat -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and a
Beginning and end -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A
Today is the beginning of a brand-new year. We even call
An important message -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like important things?
Your family -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth take
A kind of king -- John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew
Sent out two by two -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to take

The Immediate Word

Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Covenant Or Contract? (Preview Of Tiw For April 2, 2006) -- George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
In the words of the old adage, "money makes the world go round" -- and people find all sorts of crea
The Nurse Who Wouldn't Give Up -- Ephesians 4:1-3, John 6:24-35, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
The grisly video images of dead children being removed from the rubble in Cana are only the latest r
Covenant Or Contract? -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Thom M. Shuman -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
In the words of the old adage, "money makes the world go round" -- and people find all sorts of crea
Living With Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
The furor surrounding Mel Gibson and his outburst toward a police officer has been a major item in t
Who Should Carry The Load? -- Mark 14:1--15:47, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Passion Sunday - B
T
When The Darkness Deepens -- John 6:51-58, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
The shocking news of the thwarting of a major plot to blow up several trans-Atlantic flights -- and

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

For 2,000 years there have... -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B -- 2009
For 2,000 years there have been inquiries concerning proof of the resurrection, and questions are st
Joanne went home with her... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
Joanne went home with her college roommate.
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10... -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Back in the days of... -- John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2009
Back in the days of Colonial New England, it was the custom for churches to charge families for rent
In medieval times, when Catholicism... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2009
In medieval times, when Catholicism blanketed Europe and society demanded attendance at church, comm
Teaching children to swim can... -- John 17:6-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Teaching children to swim can be challenging.
There’s a story about a... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2009
There’s a story about a Jesuit missionary who brought the Christian faith to a certain tribe of the
Rubber snakes are a favorite... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Rubber snakes are a favorite way to scare mothers, sisters, and girlfriends.
Walter Van Tilburg Clark's novel... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Walter Van Tilburg Clark's novel The Ox-Bow Incident is a classic western.
The Ethiopian eunuch was struggling... -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
The Ethiopian eunuch was struggling to understand the difficult passage from Isaiah.
2 Kings 5:1-14br... -- Mark 1:40-45, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2009
2 Kings 5:1-14
A college psychology professor indicated... -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2009
A college psychology professor indicated that she would only accept her students’ midterm papers fro
Acts 10:44-48br... -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Acts 10:44-48
Why do people visit cemeteries... -- John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - B -- 2009
Why do people visit cemeteries? What is it they expect to find?
The legend continues to be... -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
The legend continues to be passed on that the armor of medieval knights weighed so much that the kni
In the first months of... -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2009
In the first months of walking my Labradoodle pup (they’re great dogs!), I finally understood his su
In a year with economic... -- John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2009
In a year with economic uncertainty the church faced the tough decision to cut the budget.
I can't smell lilacs without... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2009
I can't smell lilacs without thinking of myself as a schoolboy stepping from my parents' house and w
Peter Arnett was awarded the... -- John 17:6-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Peter Arnett was awarded the 1966 Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting.
Clarence Day wrote the delightful... -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2009
Clarence Day wrote the delightful book, Life with Father.
The Back to Egypt Committee... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The "Back to Egypt Committee" is alive and well.
James Leigh Hunt's poem Abou... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
James Leigh Hunt's poem Abou ben-Adhem tells the story of a Muslim man who has a visit from a
2 Kings 2:1-12 “Don’t step... -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2009
2 Kings 2:1-12 “Don’t step on the crack, or you’ll break your mother’s back!” No wonder children are
Novelist Harry Brown shared an... -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2009
Novelist Harry Brown shared an Oscar as a screenwriter.
Acts 1:1-11br... -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2009
Acts 1:1-11

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

Sermon

SermonStudio

Silly Love Songs -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1996
"I can see no trace of the passions which make for deeper joy," wrote the French writer Stendhal abo
Last But Yet First -- Mark 9:30-37 -- George W. Hoyer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
In order to be last, you must give others a place in front of you.
Where's The Treasure? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Thomas G. Long -- 1996
When I was a child there was a game we would play in our neighborhood to pass the time on rainy afte
Beware Of Your Piety -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Whatever happened to Lent?
A Blessing Behind Locked Doors -- John 20:19-23 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Every Sunday morning, the people of a church in the Pacific Northwest say, "Peace be with you." They
Lasting Impressions -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1996
During his first visit to the United States, Albert Schweitzer found himself at Pennsylvania Station
Children Just Forever -- Mark 9:38-50 -- George W. Hoyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
You are now, each one of you, and you have always been since you were baptized, one of these "little
Shepherds And Bathrobes -- Luke 2:8-20 -- Thomas G. Long -- 1996
Sometimes the events described in the Bible bowl us over with their sheer size.
Easter Jogging -- John 20:1-18 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
He is Risen. "He is Risen, indeed," we respond. We sound the trumpet.
Can Christians Dance? -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
A few years ago, I was asked to serve as the worship leader at a regional church conference for teen
Clear Channel Voice -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
One rather frustrating Sunday morning the teacher of the junior high class decided to try a little e
Evergreen Wreath And Faded Leaf -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The occasion was a joyous one as the young bride and groom settled into their seats at the head tabl
They Also Serve Who Wait -- Luke 2:25-40 -- Thomas G. Long -- 1996
"The whole thing is rotten," said Morris Weiser, as he tapped his cane on the vaulted ceiling of the
Easter Power -- John 20:19-31 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Storms that knock out electrical systems make us mindful of how dependent we are upon power.
Looking A Little Bit Crazy -- Mark 3:20-35 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
A photocopied sign was posted inside a church office.
Making A Difference -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
There is a movement under way today -- almost underground -- that is designed to help young people.
The Warrior And The Shepherd Are One! -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
A friend conveys the story of his childhood misconception about finding his vocational way in life.
We Interrupt This Service -- John 1:1-18 -- Thomas G. Long -- 1996
It was question and answer time at the worship workshop.
Easter Understanding -- Luke 24:35-48 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Edward Schillebeeckx, an outstanding Roman Catholic New Testament Scholar, some twenty years ago pub
How To Plant An English Garden -- Mark 4:26-34 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
A service club gathers for lunch each week in a nearby hotel.
Shouting At A Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
The story of Jesus calming the storm has always been a favorite story of the church.
Stand Tall -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
Several years ago a police officer received a call to respond to a drowning in a small lake.
He Abides In Us -- John 15:1-8 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
John Updike once more revealed his remarkably brilliant powers of description in the novel Brazil.
Lighting A Fire In A Cold Room -- Isaiah 6:1-4, 8-11 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
His name was Father Dominic.
He Shepherds Us! -- John 10:11-18 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Andrew Young, former delegate to the United Nations and former mayor of Atlanta, finally published t

Stories

The Political Pulpit

Worship

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

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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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