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Are we great enough? -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Can we measure up to Christmas?
That's a plan -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 89:20-37 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The best laid plans of mice, men, and ministers often go astray. We seem to have fallen
Repentance and Penance -- Joel 2:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2 -- Ash Wednesday - B
The meaning of words like repentance, penance, grace, reconciliation and the like have a way of get
Jesus -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
It is clear from the selections for this Sunday that the early church was taking all its clues from
Story versus Message -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-12, John 1:1-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Christmastime is a wonderful time.
Serving an underestimated God -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- David Kalas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From time to time in the car, especially during football season, I listen to sports talk
Cosmic Show and Tell -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
The meaning of the word Epiphany is "to show forth," "to make known," "to reveal."
Suffering -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - B
It is clear that the writers of the New Testament accept the suffering role of God's Messiah and wri
Commandment -- Exodus 34:3-11, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (18-21), Mark 14:12-26 -- Maundy Thursday - B
"Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
Maker of heaven and earth -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Okay, sooner or later, and more likely sooner than later, if you engage in the homiletical
Transfiguration or disfiguration -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
The transfiguration plunges us into the kind of text that many preachers would rather avoid if possi
Saints dead or alive -- Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Matthew 5:1-12 -- All Saints Day - B
It would be easy for a person to assume that a saint is a great Christian who is dead, usually for a
Giving all -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Each of the lessons for this Sunday has something to say about giving everything a person has.
Wrath and Grace -- 2 Chronicles 36:14-23, Ephesians 2:4-10, John 3:14-21 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
There are those who find great difficulty in resolving what is for them a conflict between the conce
A distinctive king -- Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Kings are not exactly in vogue at the present time.
Salvation -- Acts 3:12-19; 4:8-12, Acts 3:12-19; 4:8-12 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Easter is more than a story of the only man in history who was raised from the dead.
Turning point -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
There is a tide in the affairs of men,
A Living Faith -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
There is a general (mis)understanding, once the resurrection was perceived and understood, there imm
Looking for a leader -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Leadership is a hot topic in business and society.
The Problem of Authority -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Every age has the problem of sorting out the true prophets from the charlatans.
Journey -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Remember when you first said to someone that you loved her?
The full gospel -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-9, Luke 3:7-18 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
There wasn't much sophistication about the preaching of John the Baptist.
God in the Wings -- Isaiah 62:6-7, 10-12, Luke 2:8-20, Isaiah 62:6-7, 10-12 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Many in Christendom express concern that Christ is crowded out of Christmas by our fascination with
In Transition -- Job 7:1-7, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
February is for the church a month of transition from the Epiphany theme of showing forth the life,
Keeping Others in Mind -- Isaiah 35:4-7a, Mark 7:31-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Those of you who read my material know that I am always insistent that we keep the people and the ev

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Jesus is like sugar -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2006
Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always
Shouting for Jesus -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2006
Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have merc
Old or new? -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; And I heard a loud voice from
Jesus was sad -- John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B -- 2006
Jesus began to weep. (v. 35)
Only once -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2006
He entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves,
The most special place -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2006
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God.
Bad stains -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by
Giving all she had -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more
Confidence -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus....
Mighty Dog -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray." (v. 5)
Diversity -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made
Bird nest improvements -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heave
Beginning and end -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2006
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Alm
A to Z -- John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2006
Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world.
Baptism water -- Acts 19:1-7 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Good morning! We do a lot of things with water, don't we?
And suddenly from heaven -- Acts 2:1-22 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to pretend?

The Immediate Word

The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)

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The Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Museum... -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
The Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Museum in Shipshewana, Indiana, relates the life of Menno Simmons, a F
We must be careful not... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
We must be careful not to take this passage too literally.
How many of us are always... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
How many of us are always happy?
Ellen Medar wrote a newspaper... -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
Ellen Medar wrote a newspaper article about growing up feeling ostracized because her mother, "a hil
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2015) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Giving thanks in all situations... -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Giving thanks in all situations certainly is not easy.
Paul says that in Christ we... -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
Paul says that in Christ we are no longer slaves to sin.
The Byrds were inspired... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
The Byrds were inspired by this text as they sang "To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a seaso
U.S. Census Bureau statistics... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
U.S.
As Mary and Joseph enter... -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
As Mary and Joseph enter the temple they encounter two people who have been anticipating the coming
Elisabeth Moss, who plays... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2014
Elisabeth Moss, who plays hardworking advertising copywriter Peggy Olson, on the television show
In a The Family Circus... -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In a The Family Circus comic strip by Bil Keane, Billy and Jeffy are walking on the sidewalk.
A mother had to wait forty... -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
A mother had to wait forty days after the birth of a son before she was considered clean enough to e
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2015) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2014) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Roger Cohen wrote an article... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
Roger Cohen wrote an article for the New York Times in which he discussed that as a child he
How many times has that... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
How many times has that been sung by the Israelites?
Nathan the prophet tells... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Nathan the prophet tells David that God loves him and sees his lineage going on forever.
Over 46 million Americans... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - B -- 2014
Over 46 million Americans live in poverty.
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 (2015) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
The prophet Jeremiah tells... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
The prophet Jeremiah tells the people of Israel that their mourning will be turned to gladness and g
After David had a chance... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Bob Ove -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
After David had a chance to relax and think, he compared his house to the one they had given the Lor
The New York Times has... -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
The New York Times has a column called the "Corner Office" in which they interview the CEO of
When a little girl's letter... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
When a little girl's letter to Legos went viral asking why the company did not have a line of toys f
Our text is all about the... -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
Our text is all about the surprising ways in which God operates, how God took the little boy Samuel

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Proper 15 (C, E) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 (C)
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (C); 2 Kings 5:1-15 (E)
Jesus: The Victor Over Evil -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
The crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat.
Proper 16 (C, E) -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 (C)
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Awaiting The Kingdom Of God -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
He also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep
Proper 17 (C, E) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Song of Solomon 2:8-13 (C)
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Lesson 1: Hosea 2:14-20 (C); Hosea 2:16-17, 21-22 (RC); Hosea 2:14-23 (E)
Healing A Demoniac -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.
Proper 18 (C, E) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (C)
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1-6, 9 (E)
Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law -- Mark 1:29-31 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
Proper 19 (C, E) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Proverbs 1:20-33 (C)
Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13„53:12 (C, RC, E)
Healing A Leper -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, "If you choose, you can make me clean.
Proper 20 (C, E) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Proverbs 31:10-31 (C)
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 9:8-17 (C, E); Genesis 9:8-15 (RC)
Healing A Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Proper 21 (C, E) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 (C)
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (C)
Healing A Deaf-Mute -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in th
Proper 22 (C, E) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Job 1:1; 2:1-10 (C)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-17 (C, RC, E)
Healing A Blind Beggar -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
They came to Jericho.
Proper 23 (C, E) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)

The Village Shepherd

The Lord Looks On The Heart -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2006
Many years ago when I was at Primary School, an Australian girl joined our class.
Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Parades And Crosses -- The Challenge Of Ministry -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Looking To The Unseen -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe

SermonStudio

It's Good To Know Who Is Calling -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
When I was a boy, our family used to have a parakeet.
In Solidarity With Jesus -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2005
"Rags, rags!
Testimony -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
In the rural church where my family worshiped and served during my childhood and youth, the midweek
Being Single-minded -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
The Second Coming of Christ was much in the thoughts of the ancient church.
The Cost Of Being A Prophet -- Mark 6:14-29 -- George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
John the Baptist is one of the heroes of the Christian faith.
Following A God Who Flip Flops ... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Following A God Who Flip Flops ...
Like A Child -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Angela was still a pre-schooler the Christmas Grandpa Harvey got her the red Radio Flyer wagon, and
Fulfillment -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
The closer Christmas gets the more the tension builds. Can't you feel it?
Looking Out For Others -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Being able to synthesize in such a way that harmony can be the outcome is among the many things the
Coming Apart So We Don't Come Apart -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading from Mark is a clear picture of the Christian life.
A Sense Of Place -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
In one of his books, writer Scott Russell Sanders tells that whenever his father would come to new p
Beware: Hypocrites On Premises -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Whenever I happen to be in a conversation with someone about why they don't go to church, it seems l
False Prophets -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
False Prophets
Power And Compassion -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2005
Many of you may remember from your grade school days a novel by Mark Twain titled, The Prince and
Watching And Working -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Our focus during the season of Advent is on the arrival of Jesus Christ.

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Father Good -- Mark 10:17-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
They called him Father Good, though he was not ordained and he had no natural children.
Afflicted -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a little boy whose most prized possession was a light blue cat's-eye crystal marble.
Frog Song -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
"We will hear citizens' comments now," the Mayor announced.
You Shall Not Murder -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a man who was an active proponent of capital punishment.
Will Work For Food -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
A well-known politician came into a large American city one day to speak at a political rally.
Dog Days Of The Soul -- John 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Introduction
Laying Down The Law -- Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Awards Sunday was the biggest annual event at Calvary Church.
The Conversion -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
She hadn't intended to speak.
Giving All -- Mark 12:38-44 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Gerald Fitzgerald was the biggest giver at First Redeemer Church.
The Anointing -- John 12:12-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Marilyn came slowly down the long stairs of her sister Margaret's big brick house in the suburbs of
The Lord Always Before Me: Lavinda's Christmas Letter -- Psalm 16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Christmas, 1979Dear Ones:
Prejudice, Once Removed: The Larry Wasson Story -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
The gray-haired man cleared his throat and stood before the circle of his peers, gathered to share t
Painful Waiting -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The pain was unbearable!
Memorial Day Preacher -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
I walked through the cemetery one evening, late in May.
Heads Will Roll -- Mark 6:14-29, Amos 7:7-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Both management and union leaders were angry with Amos Dresser.
Preparing the Way -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
A young director faced his cast and crew, slumped in their auditorium seats before the stage of Gree
Becoming -- Genesis 3:8-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
In the beginning, Adam and Eve were living happily ever after. They were the first human family.
No Longer Strangers -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1996
Milenko and Eldina Sunjic came to the United States as refugees from Bosnia in July of 1994.
A Voice In The Wilderness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Margaret told herself that she should feel very pleased with her Christmas preparations.
The Mighty Acorn -- Mark 4:26-34 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
A church camp counselor gathered the six small boys from his cabin under the spread of a very old oa
The Feeding Of The Fifty -- John 6:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
Nancy Baker's cooking had become something of a legend at Our Savior's Church.
Home For Christmas -- Luke 1:47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
There were just three shopping days left until Christmas. Mrs.
Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Frank Marshall had never felt so confused or helpless in his entire life.
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:24-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1996
When the INNS shelter program for the homeless started in Kenosha, I signed up for the training to b
Favor With God -- Luke 1:26-38, 47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Introduction

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

The Lord Gathers All His People -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
Proper 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (from Psalm 78:23-29)
No Other Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Trust in the Lord and seek his presence.
The Coming King -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Proper 11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipWomen: God of time, the moments are yours.
The Power Of Faith In The Risen Christ -- Acts 3:12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: O God, answer us when we pray.
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12 Theme: The Lord's Spirit Stays With Us
Who Will Go? -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
The Holy TrinityFirst Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8Theme: Who Will Go?
Proper 12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Proverbs 9:1-6)
The Blessedness Of Unity -- Acts 4:32-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Call To Leadership -- 1 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is greatPeople: and is to be highly praised.
Proper 16 -- Ephesians 6:10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 6:10-18)
God Has No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
A New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Proper 14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 119:105-112)
Hope For The Future -- Samuel 23:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Lord Provides -- Joel 2:21-27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on John 3:3-17)
The Mercy Of God -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Giants Who Would Enslave Us -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord rules the world with righteousness;
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipWomen: It is not long before the journey ends.
Sealing The Covenant -- Exodus 24:3-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Loss Of A Friend -- 1 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord.
Maundy Thursday -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2002
A First Century Communion Litany
The Promise Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 1:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

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