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

Transforming vacation -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to go on
Who is the Spirit? -- John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Good morning! Today is "Trinity Sunday." Can anyone tell me
A surprised Nathanael -- John 1:43-51 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Before Nathanael had ever heard of Jesus or became his
A shine that does not fade -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- All Saints Day - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know what we call today in the life of our church?
Finding Jesus -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
Good evening! Why are we in church on a Thursday evening?
Both are needed -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Good morning! I have here a flashlight and some batteries.
Lunch for one -- John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I want to tell you a story about a young boy and his lunch.
What it is to be poor -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to talk about being poor.
By grace -- Ephesians 2:4-10 (L)
Sometimes when people do bad things to others and the police
Guarantees life after death -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought two balloons with me
Children of God -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! Have you ever seen one of these? (Show them
A gift from God -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought something with me this
The little hat -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Who do you think is the smartest person here this morning?
Protection -- John 17:6-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! This morning I wanted to make sure I would be
Fragile -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
I love things made out of clay. I especially like the
Obedience through love -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have pets? (Let
Open your hearts -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning! I want you to play a little game with me this
Always changing! -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
We are in the middle of winter and many places have snow and
The tears of Jesus -- John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Tell me what makes you sad.
In whose name? -- Acts 19:1-7 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Good morning! Once when Saint Paul was at Ephesus, he met
Ephphatha -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Good morning! What is this I have here in my hand? (Show the
A grand opening -- Luke 24:44-54 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Open up! -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. When you wake up in the morning, what do your eyes do?
Chosen -- Matthew 9:9-13 (L)
How many of you play softball or baseball? (Let them
She gave all she had -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a penny with me this

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus explains what it means to be his disciple... -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Jesus explains what it means to be his disciple.
Susanna Wesley defined... -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Susanna Wesley defined for her son, who would become the founder of Methodism, the meaning of sin.
Ron Fouchier, 45, is a virologist... -- James 1:17-27 -- Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Ron Fouchier, 45, is a virologist.
It was a spirited Wednesday for the 55,528 fans gathered in Metrodome... -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
It was a spirited Wednesday for the 55,528 fans gathered in Metrodome.
Our lesson urges us to make the most of our time... -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Our lesson urges us to make the most of our time (v. 16). Americans do not do that very well.
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
When we lived in Nepal there were families being torn apart by intermarriage.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 5 (2012) -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
Isaiah 40:21-31
One thing that caught me is that we are one bride... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Bob Ove -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
One thing that caught me is that we are one bride!
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
When I was a kid I thought I knew everything, so I was always complaining when my folks thought they
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2012) -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
Isaiah 6:1-8
The people spoke against Moses... -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The people spoke against Moses and worshiped idols for they could not trust and believe.
NULL -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Our lesson suggests that the sacrifice of Christ gives confidence to enter into the presence of God
What's wrong with Jesus telling us to lose our lives?... -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
What's wrong with Jesus telling us to lose our lives? Is he a masochist?
Ever watch one of those paranormal investigation shows... -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Craig Kelly -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Ever watch one of those paranormal investigation shows, like SyFy's Ghost Hunters?
Jesus' actions in the gospel challenge social and religious convention... -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Jesus' actions in the gospel challenge social and religious convention in the name of a more spiritu
Whether it's from the perspective of the prosecution... -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Craig Kelly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Whether it's from the perspective of the prosecution, such as Law and Order, or from the defe
The early church fathers saw... -- John 6:51-58 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The early church fathers saw the sixth chapter in the gospel of John as depicting Jesus as the sourc
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) in July 2012 cast her 5,000th consecutive vote in the Senate.
NULL -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
In her book The Undoing of Death, Fleming Rutledge explores the meaning of the cross by refer
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 11:1-15
100 billion stars... -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
It's estimated that there are over 100 billion stars in our galaxy.
Jose Guadalupe Posada, renowned Mexican cartoonist and illustrator... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Mark J. Molldrem -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
Jose Guadalupe Posada, renowned Mexican cartoonist and illustrator, used calaveras (animated
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
If we were to paraphrase these words in today's parlance, it would sound like this: "Who do you thin
In the early 1800s the Sisters of Mercy... -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Ron Love -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
In the early 1800s the Sisters of Mercy were organized in Ireland.

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

God has established his covenant with us -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Theme For The Day: All three texts center around the idea that God has established his covenant wit
God in Christ is ever available to hear and heed our cries for mercy. -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God in Christ is ever available to hear and heed our cries for mercy.
Tying Up A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Mark's gospel account very quickly gets into the conflict that will eventually culminate in the deat
God's good news -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God's good news.
Through Christ's resurrection we are raised to newness of life -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Through Christ's resurrection we are raised to newness of life.
Getting back to the basics -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Getting back to the basics, to love God with one's entire being and to love the
Seeds And The Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
At this writing the U.S.
Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow him -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The road to God's kingdom is the way of obedience, suffering and death, th
The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence,
Security -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Security.
A call to spiritual renewal and cleansing -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: A call to spiritual renewal and cleansing.
Jesus fulfills all of God's plans and promises -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Jesus fulfills all of God's plans and promises.
Knowing the signs of the Lord's return -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Knowing the signs of the Lord's return.
We are saved by grace through faith -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: We are saved by grace through faith.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gathers us, saves us and keeps his flock together. -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gathers us, saves us and keeps his flock together
The Church is renewed -- Romans 3:19-28, Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 8:31-36 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Church is renewed as it opens itself to the transforming power of the gospel
The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new heart. -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new h
Christ is the vine and we are the branches. -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The life of faith, begun in baptism, remains alive if we stay close to Christ.
Rejoice in God's goodness and render thanks for all his blessings -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Rejoice in God's goodness and render thanks for all his blessings.
The Lenten Season -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1996
Historical Development
God calls his own and chooses those who are to live as his dear friends -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God calls his own and chooses those who are to live as his dear friends, regardl
Seeing the vision of God's glory -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Seeing the vision of God's glory.
The institution of the covenant meal for both Jews and Christians -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The institution of the covenant meal for both Jews and Christians.
The church organizes for mission -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The church organizes for mission and Christ prays that the ways of the world wil
The mystery of the divine presence -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The mystery of the divine presence.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Worship! -- Luke 1:26-56 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
"My soul magnifies the Lord," Mary said, and I think that she meant it.
Generosity As The Clue To Life -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
All the great founders of our religious traditions offer secrets to the good life.
Proclaiming Jesus Christ -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
It is not easy to promote someone else. Human nature rises up against it.
What Part Of "You Shall Not" Don't You Understand? -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
What Part Of "You Shall Not" Don't You Understand?
Jesus Is Still Alive! -- John 20:1-18 -- David T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today we Christians celebrate Easter Sunday.
Goodness -- A Way Of Life -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Traditionally, the letter to the Ephesians was thought to be another one of Paul's New Testament wri
Stewards Of Power -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Stewards Of Power
The Inversion Of Ambition -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
In today's text, Jesus teaches the disciples about the power of evil.
From Father Failure To Divine Father -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
One of the most significant steps in our growth as human beings is the discovery that our earthly p
Rebellion, Renewal, And Rebirth -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Ron Lavin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
A French Bishop once told a story to a vast audience about a rebellious group of boys who stood outs
God Is Amazing -- John 1:43-51 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
It goes without saying, but we constantly need to be reminded that we live in an amazing world, yet
Mediating The Grace Of God -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
God is always mediated to us. God never comes to us directly and immediately. This is a good thing.
An Odd Couple -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
An Odd Couple
An Inclusive Faith -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
In 1948, the World Council of Churches was formed in the war-torn rubble of Amsterdam.
Precious And Privileged Children -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
The remarkable world of children has always fascinated me.
Pay Attention To The Context -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2005
A lot of confusion could be eliminated by paying attention to the context of our theological and eth
Deep Calling To Deep -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Wow, our text is not only challenging, it is a momentous portion of scripture that keeps spreading a
What's New? -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ron Lavin -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
"What's new?" is a common greeting.
Transformation To The Light -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time, a diamond was born.
Palm/Passion Sunday And Today's Faith -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John T. Ball -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
In the slaughter of World War I, 1914-1918, a whole generation of European men went to their deaths.
Denial Ain't A River In Egypt -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Have you ever denied something that, deep down, you know to be true?
Being Good ... For Nothing -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
If I were to ask you to complete the sentence, "You know it is going to be a bad day when ..." how w
Living With Money -- And Still Being Christian -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
News from the financial section of the paper is seldom as interesting as whatever's on the front pag
Training For A Purpose -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Some years ago, many of us, like others before and after, went through basic training or boot camp.
The Passion Of The Servant Leader -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Ron Lavin -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
The Passion Of The Servant Leader

Stories

StoryShare

Faithfulness -- Psalm 24:3-4a -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Faithfulness"
Einstein's Youngest Student -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Contents
Like Sheep With A Shepherd -- Mark 6:34 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Like Sheep with a Shepherd"
Sacrifice -- Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Contents
A Sign Of God's Love -- Psalm 19:1, Exodus 20:12 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "A Sign of God's Love" by Marie Regine Redig, SSND
A Glass Of Milk -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10, 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Contents
The Real Presence Of Christ -- Acts 1:3, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "The Real Presence of Christ"
Do You Not See? -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Contents
Whirlwind -- Acts 2:4, Acts 2:1-2 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Whirlwind"
The Glory Of God -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Contents
My Father's Voice -- John 3:8 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Father's Day, June 15, 2003Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt
Visitation Dreams -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Contents
Mothering God -- Psalm 9:10 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Mothering God"
Saying Grace -- John 6:31-34 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Contents A Story to Live By: "Saying Grace"
Peace Came -- Mark 5:39b-42 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Peace Came"
Don't Be Afraid -- John 6:19b-20 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Contents A Story to Live By: "Don't Be Afraid"
Transfigured -- Mark 9:2b-3 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
ContentsSharing Visions: "Transfigured" by Theonia Amenda
Grandma's Angel -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Contents
Presidential Pardon -- Mark 6:11 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-SumwaltContents
My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation -- Luke 2:29a -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Contents Sharing Visions, "My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation," by Mary Downing
I Shall Always Be Near You -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Psalm 146 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Contents A Story to Live By: "I Shall Always Be Near You"
God Will Meet Our Needs -- Ruth 3:1-5, 13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
A Note from John
Thanksgiving Communion -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Contents A Story to Live By: "Thanksgiving Communion"
Thanksgiving Communion -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Contents A Story to Live By: "Thanksgiving Communion"
Atonement -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, Psalm 113 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Contents A Story to Live By: "Atonement"

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Lion Friendship -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: By what qualities do we measure a friendship as strong as lions?
By A Perversion Of Justice -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, John 18:1-19:42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: He was wounded for our transgressions.
Kin -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Never Again -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: When all seems hopeless, there God is.
I Will Be Your God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Name Change -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
You Shall ... -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Numbers 21:4-9 Theme: I Will Pray For You Call To Worship
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
I Will Pass Over You -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Releasing Joy -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us rejoice in this day that God has made.
The Tongue Of A Teacher -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Coming Forth -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Come forth, O love divine.
God Who Gave -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: It is Christmas.People: The Holy Child has come.
You Shall Live -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Alternate), Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Second Sunday In AdventFirst Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11Theme: "Here Is Your God"
Dance! -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Covenant And Recompense -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Sent to bring good news to the oppressed,
Planting People -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Cedar Or Goat's Hair -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Contradiction -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Wiping Away The Tears -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a Theme: Confront Call To Worship
Restore The Kingdom? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Getting It Straight -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
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.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL