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Christians in training -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Count your blessings -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. For many of you today is the
Follow me! -- John 1:43-51 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Good morning! In the Gospel reading today, we heard Jesus
Who's number one? -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you think you are "the greatest"?
A joyful noise -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Do you feel like making music this morning? I do! I would
Waiting for a new heaven -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have
Garbage in, garbage out -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like taking out the garbage or trash?
He is here! -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Jesus said that he is the "living bread." He told those
Untie these shoes! -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you can tie your
Watching for the real thing -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Be prepared -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. What does it mean to be prepared
We're rich! -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! How many of you are rich? How many of you have
'I promise ...' -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- All Saints Day - B
Sometimes I buy things with a little card. How many of you have seen one of these?
On not being an obstacle -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever heard of the word "obstacle"?
Who am I? -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you like to play guessing
God is our partner -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. (Hold up the one roller skate
Producing good fruit -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! I brought this branch along to show you today.
Peace! Be still! -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Today I would like for us to think of this toy boat as being
Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! Once some men came to the friends of Jesus and
Listening to Jesus -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Good morning! Did you have any trouble getting here this morning?
True light on the way -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have taken your
Things change -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Good morning! What's your favorite kind of car? If you could
Who is on the Lord's side? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
The shield of faith -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Here at church we talk a lot about FAITH. But what,
Gifts from God -- Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have a manger

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Ron Love -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
J.
NULL -- James 5:13-20 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
There is a ministry in many congregations today that uses prayer shawls to comfort those who are sic
If I say "dandelion," what do you think of?... -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
If I say "dandelion," what do you think of? (an ugly weed)
After David had consolidated his kingdom... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2012
After David had consolidated his kingdom he decided it was time that he built a house for God.
Christians have been made people who go against the grain... -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
Christians have been made people who go against the grain. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King Sunday (Proper 29) (2012) -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 23:1-7
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Howard Stern wrote an editorial in which he expressed his admiration for the professionalism of Matt
One of the early Congregational church covenants in England reads as follows... -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
"So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and king David made a covenant with them at
New Testament Scholar N.T. Wright tells... -- John 15:1-8 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
New Testament Scholar N.T. Wright tells of learning to prune roses.
NULL -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Consider the shape of the cross; it visually summarizes for us the two great commandments.
Anyone who has dedicated his or her life to... -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Anyone who has dedicated his or her life to the service of the Lord is a priest who has emulated the
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 (2012) -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
2 Kings 5:1-14
Debra Farrington calls our attention to a children's book... -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Debra Farrington calls our attention to a children's book written by Kenneth Grahame titled Wind
NULL -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
When I hear the word "servant" I think of Alice the maid in The Brady Bunch or the butlers Je
NULL -- James 5:13-20 -- Ron Love -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
The Los Angeles Police Department experimented with a new technology that has become so effective in
Statistics released by the Corporation for Economic Development... -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Statistics released by the Corporation for Economic Development reveal the number of poor families h
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2012) -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
1 Kings 8 (1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
The American colonies entering the War... -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Ron Love -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
The American colonies entering the War for Independence from Britain knew it lacked the men needed f
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
The image of a rock is often used in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy, Psalms, Isaiah) to speak of God
When you think big about a task bigger than yourself... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
When you think big about a task bigger than yourself, like Paul felt about his ministry, then it get
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 8:26-40
NULL -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Al-jen Poo, 38, is the daughter of pro-democracy immigrants from Chiang Kai-shek's Taiwan.
Fyodor Dostoevsky... -- John 12:20-33 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Fyodor Dostoevsky, in his novel, The Brothers Karamazov, has Father Zossima preach a sermon o
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2012) -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
Note: Because of a scheduling error, we are highlighting these illustrations from 2012.
It is so easy for us to look at our bank accounts and think that we're not making a lot of money... -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Craig Kelly -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
It is so easy for us to look at our bank accounts and think that we're not making a lot of money.

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Lent 5 -- Psalm 51:10-17 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Proper 23 -- Psalm 90:1-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1993
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
The Holy Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1993
Isaiah's experience in the temple occurred in 742 B.C., the
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
The 10 commandments are unconditional demands of God. They are
Lent 6 (Passion) -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1993
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief,
Proper 24 -- Psalm 35:17-28 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1993
How long, O Lord, will you look on?
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John R. Brokhoff -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1993
A child is born whose name is wonderful and whose government
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
The people of Israel are fed up with the hardships of
Maundy Thursday -- Psalm 116:12-19 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1993
What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
Proper 25 -- Psalm 126 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1993
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
First Sunday After Christmas / Holy Family -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1993
This passage, written by Third Isaiah around 530 B.C. deals
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremish 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Jeremiah addresses these words to the Jews in Babylon. Through
Monday Of Holy Week -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- 1993
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Proper 26 -- Psalm 119:33-48 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
Advent 1 -- Psalm 80:1-7 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Yahweh promises to rebuild the nation of Israel. God's word is
Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1993
This pericope constitutes the third of the four servant songs
New Year's -- Psalm 67 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- 1993
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
Proper 27 -- Psalm 146 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1993
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
Advent 2 -- Psalm 85:8-13 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people,
Epiphany 4 -- Psalm 111 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1993
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
The Day Of Pentecost -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 or Acts 2:1-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 1993
Ezekiel is a prophet to the exiles in Babylon. This Lesson
Palm Sunday -- Psalm 118:19-29 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1993
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1993
O Lord, how manifold are your works!In wisdom you have made them all;
Proper 28 -- Psalm 145:8-13 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1993
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Unacceptable -- Mark 8:31-38 -- David T. Ball -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Going off to college can be an unsettling experience for Christian students.
Taking The Long View -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
So much seems to press upon us in our daily living that "taking the long view" may not only be remot
Modeling A Necessary Future -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
It was the custom in my friend's church for many years to have a week of family camp in the summer.
Letting Go And New Beginnings -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
It had been an exhausting climb up the mountain.
Selling Sin In A Celebrative Age -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Dialing the number of a large, well-known metropolitan church, the caller asked, "What time is your
No Substitute -- John 2:13-22 -- David T. Ball -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Jesus in the temple -- oh, didn't he show those money-changers who were desecrating the temple groun
Ashes For Remembering -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Ashes For Remembering
Let God Do The Rest -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Once there was a boy who loved to look at the birds of the air, the flowers of the field, and the cl
Water And Spirit -- John 3:1-17 -- George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
The story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night is familiar to most folks who have spent any time at
Taking A Necessary Step -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
The closeness between John the Baptist and Jesus can hardly be overemphasized.
It's About God -- John 3:14-21 -- David T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
I don't know how many foreign films you've seen -- subtitled in English, so that you hear the foreig
Day One: A New Beginning -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Day One: A New Beginning
Finding Unity Through Christ -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Nature is filled with examples of how the world functions better when things come together and act a
Discipleship: The Beauty And The Cross -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
Once upon a time a bowl was born.
Grace To You, And Peace -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
The weeklong pastor's training event was about halfway through its course and the pastor coordinatin
Seeing And Not Being Seen -- John 12:20-33 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Toward the end of the last presidential campaign, I heard an amusing report on one of the cable news
Having The Last Word -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
The Wizard of Id comic strip characterizes a feisty little fellow as the despotic ruler of th
Jesus Is The Recipe For Eternal Life -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Scientists tell us that if you take six molecules of carbon dioxide and combine it with twelve molec
Accepting The Lord Once Again -- John 1:1-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2005
He came softly, unobserved and yet, strange to say, everyone knew him.
On Having A Good Church Fight -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Today's scripture from 1 John is one of the treasures of all the New Testament.
Momentous Moment -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- David T. Ball -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
When visiting another church one time, a thought occurred to me as I waited in my pew for communion
The Quiet Day Of Pentecost -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Pentecost is a celebration of the church's beginning.
Does Easter Make A Difference? -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Ron Lavin -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
A bully in a small town resented the man everyone looked up to as the wisest man in town.
Make The Most Of God's Gifts -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John Harding had it all; his credentials were impeccable. He had a wonderful family.
A Promise Fulfilled: A Gift Given -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
During the last years of the Roman Empire, in the city of Myra, the regional bishop died.

Stories

SermonStudio

A Tire Of A Different Dimension -- Psalm 26 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay Boone Stewart -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wave
Convincing Proof -- Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Margaret Nyland-brown -- Ascension of the Lord - B
I was born in 1970. My brother, Randy, was five years older than I. He died on February 28, 1982.
My Beloved -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judie M. Jacobson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Beth and David are a young couple in my congregation who have a wonderful relationship and a tremend
Ronny's Gift -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rebecca Henderleiter -- Ash Wednesday - B
In recovery circles, many tight-knit relationships are formed.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha -- Mark 7:24-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Allan Mccauley, As Told To Rebecca Henderleiter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." And immedia
What Is God Saying? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Susan D. Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
In May of 1996, I attended an event at Kirkridge, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
Easter In September -- Psalm 19 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
The call came from the doctor that Dad had only a short time to live.
Our Family In Heaven -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt, Jeff Veenhuis -- All Saints Day - B
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals.
What Dreams Have Come -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
After my father died, in September of 1998, I had several vivid dreams that felt very much like his
Cameron's Story -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Todd Chrisler, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
I met Todd and Dawn at wedding reception in the fall of 1999.
A Heavenly Voice -- Psalm 84 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rosmarie Trapp -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
When I was growing up, in our large family which performed all over Europe and the U.S., I was the r
To Bind Up The Broken Hearted -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Roy H. Nelson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good ne
That Which Comes From Heaven -- John 6:24-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Janet Angel -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to
A Safe Place To Tell Visions -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Late on Maundy Thursday evening, in the year 2000, as I lay in bed, meditating on the format of this
Do Not Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger ...
Blessed At The Core -- John 13:1-17, 31-35a -- John E. Sumwalt, Manda R. Stack -- Maundy Thursday - B
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.
A Plea For Help -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Christal Bindrich
My mother died of breast cancer in 1976.

StoryShare

Of Lilacs And Pews -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- C. David Mckirachan, James E. Sargent, John E. Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "A Life for a Life"
Wait There -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- David O. Bales, Constance Berg, Terry Cain, Charles Cammarata -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Ascension Sunday Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47 or Psalm 93 Ephesians 1:15-23
Backdraft -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank R. Fisher, Sil Galvan, Richard A. Jensen, Timothy F. Merrill, John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Hearing Things -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Henry Scholberg, Rolf Morck -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Living The Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, Psalm 20 -- Frank R. Fisher, Gregory L. Tolle, John E. Sumwalt, Paul Lintern -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Passing Over To The Other Side -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- C. David Mckirachan, Cynthia E. Cowen, Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Miracle"
Mid-Cemetery -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130 -- David O. Bales, Terry Cain, Betty Lynn Schwab -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
A Gift Named Dyslexia -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Constance Berg, Steven E. Burt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Contents What's Up This Week

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The wisdom of the Lord belongs to those who will seek God's will!
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Proverbs 31:10-31
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- James R. Wilson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, all who would bear witness to the risen Christ!
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would proclaim God's word gather now for worship!
Epiphany -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Proper 22 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would praise the Lord gather now for worship!
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Praise be to the Lord who calls us to serve the living Christ!
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let the redeemed of the Lord gather this day for worship!
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 25 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who trust in the Lord gather this day for worship!
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who have been redeemed by the Lord come now for worship!
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let our hearts be joined together this day in praise and worship!
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who have been blessed by the Lord gather now for worship!
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Fourth Of July -- Genesis 12:1-8; John 8:31-36 -- James R. Wilson -- 1996
Call To Worship
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all who have known God's mercy gather now for worship!
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – 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
Nazish Naseem
For December 21, 2025:

SermonStudio

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
Pastor: Advent God: We praise and thank you for the word of promise spoken long ago by your prophet Isaiah; as he bore the good news of the birth of Immanuel–so may we be bearers of the good news that Immanuel comes to be with us. God of love:

Cong: Hear our prayer.
Dallas A. Brauninger
1. Text

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.18 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.19 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the
James Evans
(See Advent 1, Cycle B, and Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

The recurring phrase, "let your face shine" (vv. 3, 7, 19), offers an interesting opportunity to reflect on the meaning of God's presence in our world. This reflection takes on a particular significance during the Advent season.

Richard A. Jensen
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew. Matthew's telling of the Jesus' story is certainly unique. Matthew tells of the early years of our Savior stressing that his name is Jesus and Emmanuel; that wise sages from the East attend his birth; that Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt because of Herod's wrath. No other Gospel includes these realities.
Mark Wm. Radecke
In the Jewish tradition there is a liturgy and accompanying song called "Dayenu." Dayenu is a Hebrew word which can be translated several ways. It can mean: "It would have been enough," or "we would have been grateful and content," or "our need would have been satisfied."

Part of the Dayenu is a responsive reading that goes like this:

O God, if thy only act of kindness was to deliver us from the bondage of Egypt, Dayenu! -- It would have been enough.
Stephen M. Crotts
Some years ago I was in a London theater watching a Harold Pinter play. The drama was not very good really. I was getting bored. Then right in the middle of the play the theater manager walked on stage, excused himself, and made an announcement. The actors stared. The audience looked shocked. Me? I thought it was all part of the play. Such interruptions are rare in a theater. But nonetheless, the stage manager felt that it was necessary this time. His announcement was nothing trivial like, "Some owner has left his car lights on." Nor was it a terrifying message like, "Fire! Fire!
Timothy J. Smith
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the true reason we celebrate. We receive Christmas cards portraying a cute infant Jesus lying in a manger filled with straw. The Baby Jesus is pictured in the center with Mary and Joseph on one side, the shepherds and Magi on the other. We know this scene: animals are in the background, in the distance angels can be seen hovering, as a star shines brightly overhead. However, there is more to Advent and Christmas than celebrating the birth of a baby.
William B. Kincaid, III
If we cannot relate to Joseph and appreciate his situation, then our lives are simple, easy lives indeed. Now, by relating to Joseph or understanding what he endured, I don't mean to suggest that we all either have been engaged or married to someone impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Even in our frantic search for ways to explain how such a thing might have happened, we probably didn't think of blaming the Holy Spirit!
R. Glen Miles
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise containing all promises. Isaiah is talking to Ahaz. Ahaz is the king who is stuck in a political mess. It looks like Assyria is about to invade some of the countries neighboring Judah. Isaiah is recommending that the king refuse to sign on with these other countries and their armies and trust only in Yahweh, the Lord of all. Today's reading is a reminder of the promise of God to be with Ahaz and his people, no matter what happens, no matter who invades.
John T. Ball
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us. This is how Moses worked it out with Yahweh and his people who had recently escaped from Egyptian captivity. If the Israelites prove loyal to this mysterious Sinai god, then God would bless them with prosperity and well being. Those who deal with many gods are no different. Even though they have gods for various concerns, they still expect blessings and security in exchange for loyalty.
Susan R. Andrews
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submitted to impotent fatherhood - a second--string player in the drama of God's human birth. But according to scripture, none of this is true. All that is actually recorded in the Bible is that Joseph was a dreamer - a righteous man who transformed the meaning of righteousness by taking seriously his dreams.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The God Of Abraham Praise (UM116, PH488, NCH24)
O Hear Our Cry, O Lord (PH206)
Hail To The Lord's Anointed (UM203)
Blessed Be The God Of Israel (UM209)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UM204)
People Look East (PH12, UM202)
Savior Of The Nations, Come (LBW28, CBH178, PH14, UM214)
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (CBH202)
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (PH1, 2,UM196, NCH122)

Anthem

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Just before the first Christmas, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that Jesus would also be called "Emmanuel", meaning "God With Us." Let us listen to the guidance of the angels today as we prepare to receive God With Us once again.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, fill me with the awe of Christmas.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with the mystery of Christmas.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, fill me with Emmanuel -- God with us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
C. David Mckirachan
Scott Dalgarno
Stan Purdum
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Samantha" by Argile Smith
"I'm Pregnant" by C. David McKirachan
"You'd Better Watch out..." by C. David McKirachan
"Terribly Vulnerable to Joy" by Scott Dalgarno
"The Great Christmas-Tree Battle" by Stan Purdum


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Over the years, I grow more cynical about Christmas and just about everything that goes along with it. I have not become a scrooge, although the advancing years have made me more careful with my pennies. It is not that I cannot be moved by the lights, the music, and the fellowship of the holidays. I have not become an insensitive, unfeeling clod. My problem is that the language and the images and the music seem to have fallen short in expressing what must have been the feelings of the real human beings going through the events recounted in this story.

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What an exciting day this is! Today is the day before Christmas and tonight is Christmas Eve! People have different ways of doing things. Some people open their presents on Christmas Eve. How many of you do that? (Let them answer.) Others open their presents on Christmas Day. Which of you will open your presents tomorrow? (Let them answer.) Some open gifts on other days. Would any of you like to share another time when you open presents? (Give them the opportunity to answer.)

Why do you suppose we open gifts at this time of the year? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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