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Children's Activity

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What's the good news? -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Good morning! When Jesus was beginning his ministry, he said
The beginning and the end -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Good morning, boys and girls. What's your favorite book? (Let
Sleeping through the storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever been in a boat?
Gifts from God -- Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have a manger
Who is on the Lord's side? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
The real number one -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you like to play board games?
Calming the storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever been
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,
Saying "Yes" to Jesus -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Is everyone happy?
Jesus was sad -- John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B
Good morning! Today I have a card I sometimes send to
A baptism discovery -- Acts 19:1-7 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a game (name the game)
Keep alert -- Mark 13:24-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! What is this thing? (Show the timer and let
Excel in your giving! -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Good morning! When the apostle Paul wrote to the
Choosing up sides -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! I'd like to play a little game with you this
He is risen! -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B
Good morning! What do they call this flower? (Show the
Waiting for Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we begin the new church year.
He's got the whole world -- John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
No God but one -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Good morning! Do any of you know what the Ten Commandments
He came to tell the truth -- John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought an empty plate with me
Sharing with others -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
The guiding light -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Have you ever gone into your
Learning to wait -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! What do I have here? (Show the calendar and
Pray for the sick -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you say a prayer
Recharged back to life -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a (name the object)
Spiritual batteries -- John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Every one of us wants to live. That is the way God created

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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
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
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.
The text leads us to the old question... -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
The text leads us to the old question -- whether God is imminent (here in and among us) or transcend
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.
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General.
The United States has seen three distinct instances... -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Craig Kelly -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The United States has seen three distinct instances of religious revival in its history, known as Gr
NULL -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
The church I attend in retirement meets in a storefront sanctuary.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2012) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Bryan Mattimore, a creativity expert, tells the story... -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
Bryan Mattimore, a creativity expert, tells the story of Leonardo da Vinci preparing a shield for hi
Lynn Caines and lifelines -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Lynn Caines, in her autobiographical Lifelines, tells how in the midst of her struggle to ove
In 1993, mountaineer Greg Mortenson failed to climb K2... -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
In 1993, mountaineer Greg Mortenson failed to climb K2, second-highest mountain on earth, located on
NULL -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
John shows how far the disciples were from understanding Jesus' teachings.
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Bob Ove -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
What will our last words be? What will we leave to our children? Those words of David give me hope.
Sermon Illustrations for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2012) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
When Melinda Gates returned from Bangladesh... -- John 10:11-18 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
When Melinda Gates returned from Bangladesh, she shared what she learned about the humanitarian work
Sermon Illustrations for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 10:44-48
Francis of Assisi patterned his own order the Brothers Minor... -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Francis of Assisi patterned his own order the Brothers Minor after Jesus' description of sending the
In a couple of months... -- John 12:20-33 -- Craig Kelly -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In a couple of months, the world's eyes will look to a lit cauldron atop a massive stadium in the ci
NULL -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (part of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S.
NULL -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
Job's encounter with God left him speechless, silenced him regarding all his previous questions and
David did not gloat over the victory over Saul... -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2012
David did not gloat over the victory over Saul.
During the NFL lockout... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
This past summer during the NFL lockout, coaches and staff were prohibited from working with the pla
Tucker, the family pet, had a bad eating habit... -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Tucker, the family pet, had a bad eating habit.

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

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.
Advent 3 -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
And Mary said,"My soul magnifies the Lord,
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1993
David is situated in Jerusalem with his government and he
Proper 10 -- Psalm 132:11-18 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1993
The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back:
Proper 29 -- Psalm 93 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1993
The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty;
Advent 4 -- Psalm 89:1-4 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1993
Through Nathan, Yahweh refuses David's intention of building a
Proper 11 -- Psalm 53 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1993
Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God."
Proper 4 -- Psalm 81:1-10 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob.
Last Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 50:1-6 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1993
The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1993
Here is the story of a tragedy of a great man's downfall, of
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
This pericope comes from the third section of Isaiah (chapters
Proper 12 -- Psalm 32 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1993
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Proper 5 -- Psalm 61:1-5 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1993
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.From the end of the earth I call to you,
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 78:23-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1993
The deed was done. Uriah was killed in battle and Bathsheba
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
These verses open the second part of Isaiah dealing with the
Proper 13 -- Psalm 34:11-22 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1993
Come, O children, listen to me; I till teach you the fear of the Lord.
Proper 6 -- Psalm 92:1-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1993
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
Baptism Of Jesus -- Psalm 29 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1993
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
David's rebellious son, Absalom, sought to gain the kingship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
Isaiah 61:1-13 is the text for Jesus' inaugural sermon at
Proper 14 -- Psalm 143:1-8 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness;
Proper 7 -- Psalm 107:1-3 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1993
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Easter -- Psalm 118:14-24 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.

Sermon

SermonStudio

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.
God Our Protector And Shield -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
James Gillis, a priest and writer in the mid-twentieth century, became well known as a commentator o
Lord Of The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading shows Jesus in a position of conflict with the religious leaders of his day, a po
Faith As Alternating Current -- 1 John 3:16-20 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Some troublesome things about the Christian life are its mood swings.
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Ron Lavin -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins
Living The Word Of God -- James 1:17-27 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Mohandas Gandhi was born in Porbandar in the present state of Gujarat, India, on October 2, 1869.
Brothers And Sisters Of Jesus -- Mark 3:20-35 -- George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
The gospels are very open in sharing the opposition that Jesus faced in his ministry.
Love -- The Only Absolute Commandment -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Love is central to the New Testament message. Jesus called his followers to practice love.
Salvation In Jesus' Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- Ron Lavin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Salvation In Jesus' Name
Strength Through Diversity -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time.
On Trusting The Work Of God -- Mark 4:26-34 -- George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Jesus spoke to the people in parables about the reign of God.
The Commandments Are Not Burdensome -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- John T. Ball -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In the Exodus story, Moses leads the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity and takes them to the moun
Yesterday, Today, And Forever -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Ron Lavin -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient.
Engage Mind Before Putting Mouth In Gear -- James 3:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
When we were children our parents often quoted us the expression, "Sticks and stones can break my bo
Where Is Your Trust? -- Mark 4:35-41 -- George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
If it was not Jesus who was asking the question, our reaction to the speaker would probably be somet
The Blessings Of Writing -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay
God's Surprises -- Acts 10:44-48 -- Ron Lavin -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
God's Surprises
Anticipation -- Mark 13:32-27 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
To say that to live between the advents is to live in anticipation is really redundant.
God's Wisdom Or The World? -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time there was an old man who lived on the outskirts of town.
Caring For The "Little Ones" -- Mark 5:21-43 -- George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
This Gospel Reading from Mark is two stories entwined together.
True Resurrections -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today, Easter is the central festival of the church, out of which comes two derivative festivals, Ch
Man Proposes; God Disposes -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Ron Lavin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Man Proposes; God Disposes
Assurance -- Psalm 85 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
We live our lives suspended somewhere between a period and an ellipsis.
Prayer: A Way Of Life -- James 5:13-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Once there was a monastery in the woods that had fallen upon hard times.
Anywhere But Home -- Mark 6:1-13 -- George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
The Gospel of Mark is filled with action.

Stories

StoryShare

Dancing Before The Lord -- Frank R. Fisher, Stan Purdum, John E. Sumwalt, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
The Promised Land -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Psalm 89:20-37 -- C. David Mckirachan, Robert A. Beringer, Sil Galvan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Resting Up"
At Least I'm Not That Bad -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Terry Cain, David O. Bales, Peter C. Garrison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Making a Difference"
The Finest Bread -- John 6:35, 41-51, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- Frank R. Fisher, Constance Berg, James E. Sargent -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "The Bread of Life"
Waiting For God -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Terry Cain, James E. Sargent -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week Good Stories: "Waiting For God" by Terry Cain
It's All Heart -- John 6:24-35, Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Constance Berg, Charles Cammarata, Gregory L. Tolle, B. Kathleen Fannin -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
The Wisest Person I've Ever Known -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, C. David Mckirachan, Susan K. Hedahl -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Carpe Kairos"
Solomon's Prayer -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84 -- David O. Bales, Terry Cain, Jo Perry-Sumwalt, Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
The Painting -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Charles Cammarata, Constance Berg, Gregory L. Tolle, Henry Scholberg -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Being Richly Alive -- Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 146 -- Frank R. Fisher, Sil Galvan, Dallas A. Brauninger, Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Glory -- Mark 8:27-38, James 3:1-12, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Constance Berg -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
What's Up This Week
Not Cheating The Taxman? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Constance Berg, Charles Cammarata -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
A Dishonest Painter -- Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Contents Post-9/11 Comfort
Becoming A Child -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16, Psalm 26 -- Frank R. Fisher, Terry Cain -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
A Fist And A Kiss -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Contents
Talking To God -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 26 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Do You Have To Be Smart To Be A Christian? -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Terry Cain, David O. Bales -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Unanswerable -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- David O. Bales, Terry Cain -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week A Good Story: "Unanswerable" by David O. Bales
Pass It On -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- David O. Bales, Susan K. Hedahl, Richard A. Jensen, Charles Cammarata -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Based on Revised Common Lectionary texts:
Awe Is The Answer -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 46 -- Charles Cammarata, Constance Berg, Sil Galvan, Frank R. Fisher -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
ContentsProper 25
Upon The Waters -- Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Frank R. Fisher, Sil Galvan, Gregory L. Tolle, Constance Berg, Henry Scholberg -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Based on Revised Common Lectionary texts: Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-10
Innocent Until Proven Guilty -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales, Terry Cain -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Abiding In Christ -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Frank R. Fisher, B. Kathleen Fannin, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week
A Steady God In An Unsteady World -- John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 24 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan -- All Saints Day - B
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
We Still Love You, Daddy -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Charles Cammarata, Paul Lintern, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Contents What's Up This Week

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Search Me, O God, And Know Me -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use before the pastoral prayer.
The Birth Of Jesus Announced -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively)God's face shines upon us in Christ.
Living By Faith -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
PROPER 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPCome into God's presence with a clean heart, with a new and right
The New Heaven And The New Earth -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use as an anthem.
Two Wisdom Stories -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Psalm 62:5-12 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPLet your heart wait silently before God; our hope of salvation is
Two Parables -- The Growing Seed and The Mustard Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
PROPER 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPAwait God's presence and hope in God's word as if you were
Jesus Is Taken Up To Heaven -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
The Last Days -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - B -- 1993
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28, Psalm 111 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPHappy is the person who takes delight in the word of the Lord and
David And Goliath -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
PROPER 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPPraise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD with all your heart.
A Call To Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.

Free Access

Abraham, man of faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all of God's people come together and share our faith!
Accepting our crosses and following -- Mark 8:31-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
God's covenant: a blessing and a promise -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
John the Baptist proclaims the Christ is come. -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- James R. Wilson -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
First Lesson: Genesis 1:1-5 Theme: Meeting the God of Eternity
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.
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.
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!
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.
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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