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Jesus can heal -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Good morning! Have you ever noticed how many ads there are
The Light -- Luke 2:22-4 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Today is "Groundhog Day." Why is that? (Let them answer.)
Jesus, the bread of life -- John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to eat
Heirs of God -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Good morning! I want to show you this legal document today.
What makes a king a king? -- John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Good morning! This is Christ The King Sunday. Let's talk
Not for sale! -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Good morning! Money can buy all kinds of things. What are
Jesus-time -- Mark 1:9-15 -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought with me today something that all of us have probably seen.
A sign -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning! (Holding up the road sign) We use signs like
Attracted to Jesus -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I want you to look at this painting.
Pray for guidance -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. What am I doing when I do this?
Power comes from God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning! I brought this ________ with me today. What is
The Light shining in darkness -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Sometimes the darkness can be frightening. Have you ever
Put on God's armor -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a baseball cap of my
The Nunc Dimittis -- Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Good morning! How many of you go to school? (Let them
Let us pray -- James 5:13-20 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Good morning! I want to talk to you today about prayer. Can
Be like chameleons -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Good morning! Have you ever seen one of these? (Show the
Enemies and friends -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Good morning! How many of you like football? (Let them
Talking to God -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Jesus once prayed to God just as we pray to God. When I
Looking for heaven -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to look for something special.
Saved! -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
I brought some rope with me this morning to help me tell a
Watching for signs -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know what the word "danger" means?
A very special seed -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of your parents plant
Familiarity breeds contempt -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning! Here is a newspaper article about
He was transfigured -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
How many of you saw a caterpillar last summer? (Let them
We have come to believe -- John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever played

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2012) -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Exodus 20:1-17
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
As a church youth director, Ardi received lots of flyers in her mailbox.
Paul reminded the constituents... -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Paul reminded the constituents in the church at Corinth "of the good news that I proclaimed to you,
The words of the Song of Solomon 2:8-13... -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
The words of the Song of Solomon 2:8-13 introduce a section of springtime love in the book.
The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son... -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
The story of David's remarkable compassion toward his rebellious son Absalom is a love that seems to
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Abraham was not perfect. He had his ups and downs!
NULL -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Arthur Gordon was a writer who helped many people on their own spiritual journeys, yet he had his ow
Why does God so love the world?... -- John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2012
Why does God so love the world (v. 16)? The Triune God knows no other way.
One week a picture of a Harvard University president appeared... -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
One week a picture of a Harvard University president appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazi
NULL -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Unlike the rich man in our biblical text, Francis of Assisi was willing to give up all his riches fo
The boy was saddened and cried... -- John 20:1-18 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
Chuck Swindoll in his book, Growing Deep in the Christian Life relates the story about a Sund
Many Americans do not feel God to be directly involved in their lives... -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Many Americans do not feel God to be directly involved in their lives.
Garret Keizer in his provocative book... -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
Garret Keizer in his provocative book, The Enigma of Anger, tells a story about his father-in
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Hans Rosling, 63, is trained in statistics and medicine.
NULL -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Martin Luther provides compelling images about this text: "Day and night everybody's concern is how
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 (2012) -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Richard A. Hasler, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20
Billy Graham in his book Angels: God's Secret Agents... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Billy Graham, in his book Angels: God's Secret Agents, affirms the existence of these servant
NULL -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Why is Jesus so tough on the rich? Why is it harder to enter God's kingdom if you are rich?
There is something fascinating about illusionists... -- John 20:1-18 -- Craig Kelly -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
There is something fascinating about illusionists like David Copperfield or Penn and Teller.
The Andersons raced into church on the last verse of the opening hymn... -- James 1:17-27 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
The Andersons raced into church on the last verse of the opening hymn.
In calling himself the bread of life... -- John 6:34, 41-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2012
In calling himself the bread of life, Jesus was making the point about how essential he is for human
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2012) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Ruth 1:1-18
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
Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9
The people put pressure on Samuel... -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
The people put pressure on Samuel to anoint a king, and Samuel prays to God for guidance.
Garret Keizer tells the story of three women... -- John 2:13-22 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Garret Keizer tells the story of three women in the 1970s who entered a store that sold pornography,

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Second Sunday after the Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1990
In the "old" lectionary, the Sundays of Epiphany continued the manifestation theme mostly with the m
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1990
The weekly rhythm of the church year should be clearly perceived by the preacher by this time of the
The Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1990
The liturgical and theological function of the festival of Epiphany is to manifest the full glory of
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
The Sunday received its title - Reminiscere - from verse 5 of the Twenty-fifth Psalm, "Remember, O L
Christ the King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- George M. Bass -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
In the homiletical studies for the Lectionary Preaching Workbook III, Cycle A, it was pointed out th
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- George M. Bass -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
Something of a minor liturgical controversy surrounds the celebration of the Ascension of our Lord.
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
The Second Sunday of Advent could be called "Preparation Sunday." It points to, first of all, the se
Corpus Christi -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- George M. Bass -- 1990
Corpus Christi is a festival that few, if any, Protestants celebrate.
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- George M. Bass -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
The liturgical clue comes from the secular calendar, rather than the church year - with an assist fr
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1990
In those congregations where the contemporary hymn of praise, "This is the feast of victory for our
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1990
The title of this day - Ash Wednesday (the rite when ashes are placed on the foreheads of penitents
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1990
It is essential for the parish preacher to be aware of the meaning and purpose of Sunday for the Chr
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Usually by this Sunday in the northern hemisphere, the church finds itself approaching mid-summer, w
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1990
Christians live between the time of the Lord's resurrection and his anticipated return to the earth.
All Saints' Day -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
All Saints' Day is one of those days in the church year calendar that many Protestant congregations
Sunday of the Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- George M. Bass -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1990
The transfer of the Sunday of the Passion from the Fifth Sunday in Lent to the Sixth Sunday in Lent
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George M. Bass -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
No matter what name is given to this Sunday, it remains the Sunday before the Ascension of the Lord.
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- George M. Bass -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Liturgically official or not, the Seventh Sunday of Easter is the Sunday after the Ascension, if not
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
The church year theological clue
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Two-thirds of the Pentecost cycle/season will have been completed in this Sunday's and next week's w
Proper 8 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1990
The Easter event continues to be the heart of the Sunday worship, when God's people celebrate Sunday
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1990
At this juncture in the church year, which is now well into the second half of Pentecost, the preach
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Two-thirds of the Pentecost cycle/season will have been completed in this Sunday's and next week's w
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
The church year theological clue
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1990
At this juncture in the church year, which is now well into the second half of Pentecost, the preach

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Making Of A Saint -- John 11:32-44 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel is difficult to preach on All Saints' Sunday.
Gifted People -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
You and I are "gifted" people. We live in a "gifted" country. We gather in a "gifted" institution.
You Are Free To Fail -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Following his service as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the dark days of World War II, Winst
Turn On The Lights -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Many people don't realize the extent of the preparations involved when the President of the United S
Sweet-Smelling Fragrance -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Realtors tell us that an empty house is difficult to sell.
The Healing Touch -- Mark 5:21-43 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Recently, when I renewed my driver's license, I was presented with the opportunity to renew the acco
Promises, Promises, Promises -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
This morning's Gospel from Luke recounts God's announcement to Mary that she was to become the Mothe
The Highest Bidder -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
An auction is a fun event, especially when you are the highest bidder for an item you really want to
When The Boat Begins To Sink -- Mark 4:35-41 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
In the Gardener Museum in Boston hangs Rembrandt's painting of The Storm on the Sea of Galilee.
Reverse Direction -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
It's human nature to be excited about meeting a celebrity in person.
Grace In The Midst Of Dividing Walls -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
According to those whose job it is to know such things, it only takes three weeks to become blind to
It's Happening! -- Mark 4:26-34 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
In an effort to stimulate their thoughts about the nature of God, I invited a group of teenagers to
Preparing For Something Big -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Paul E. Flesner -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
How are you getting ready for Christmas? Have you gotten out your Christmas tapes or CDs yet?
Grace In The Midst Of Guilt And Shame -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
At the begining of his ministry Jesus had a chance to impress the people he grew up with.
Is Anything Unforgivable? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
One morning I was roused from sleep around 3 a.m. by the ringing of the telephone.
A New Look For The New Year -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Just a few days ago we greeted loved ones and friends with a cheery, "Happy New Year." And we sincer
Grace In The Midst Of Hopelessness -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Submarine accidents are rare. Successful submarine rescues, unfortunately, are rarer still.
Keeping Sunday -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
One of the churches where I served was located next to a Jewish synagogue.

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The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.
You Are Free To Fail -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Following his service as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the dark days of World War II, Winst
Too Good To Be True? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Here's the scene.
Sweet-Smelling Fragrance -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Realtors tell us that an empty house is difficult to sell.
Is Anything Unforgivable? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
One morning I was roused from sleep around 3 a.m. by the ringing of the telephone.
First Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Curtis Lewis -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Have you ever seen the aurora borealis?
Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'

Stories

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

God the vinedresser; Jesus the vine; we the branches -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus healing the bed-ridden -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Theme: Jesus healing the bed-ridden, followed by the hostility of the scribes.
Birth of the World's Savior - Include the themes of crucifixion, resurrection, Pentecost -- Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1990
Suggestion: Use the following themes to identify each section of the order of worship:
Friendship with God -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider these ideas:
Watchfulness -- Mark 13:32-37 -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Suggested quotes at the beginning and end of the order of worship:
Mark contrasts the showy religion of the Pharisees with the modest religion of the poor widow -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
The holiness and truth of God centered in the response of God's creation -- John 17:11-19 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Signs of the end -- Mark 13:1-13, 24-32 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Witnessing - Bearing witness to the light of the world -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Invitation to the Corporate CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Signs of the end - The return of Christ symbolized by the fig tree -- Mark 13:24-31 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Pentecost, the Season of the Holy Spirit -- 1990
Pentecost, meaning "Fiftieth Day," has its roots in the ancient Jewish Feast of Weeks, a celebration
Pilate's question: 'Are you the Jews' king?' -- John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The Coming and Presence of Holy Spirit -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, John 7:37-39a, John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Bulletin HeadingConsider this:
The Trinity of God: -- John 3:1-17, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
the Protestant Reformation -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Suggestion:
Jesus' eating and healing on the Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
The raising of Lazarus -- John 11:32-44, Matthew 5:1-12 -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Preparing for and participating in the Passover -- Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' reminder to, and departure from, the disciples -- Luke 24:44-53, Mark 16:15-20 -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Religious leaders accusing Jesus in league with the demons -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Thanksgiving -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Parables of the Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus' presentation in the temple. Jesus' blessing; his parents' amazement. -- Luke 2:22-40 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Jesus' calming of the sea: the disciples' fear and awe -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
John's version of the Christmas story - The Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

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

The Village Shepherd

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

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

Reading:

StoryShare

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


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

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


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

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

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

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

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

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

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

CSSPlus

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

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