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Don't fear, only believe -- Mark 5:21-24a, 35-43 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a hiking stick with me
Weak and strong -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you think you are pretty strong?
Serving -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - B
On this holy night I brought with me something Jesus took
God's letter of recommendation -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
Good morning! As a pastor, I am sometimes asked to write
God in love -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have any
The piece of fish -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. What do you think Jesus was really like after he was resurrected?
Believe and Do -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
If I were in the Army, I would have to wear an Army uniform.
There's always enough -- John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Good morning! Once, when Jesus was preaching, 5,000 people
God's servants -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Good morning! I have some cards with names printed on them,
Chosen for Christ -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought two shoes with me
Traveling light -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to travel?
Written down! -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Good Friday - B
God says that a day is coming when he will put his laws in
We need the doctor! -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
Good morning! If you got sick and your parents didn't know
Straining the difference -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Today is New Year's Day but it is also a day
He was lifted up -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a special balloon with
Action, not words -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
What grade? -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Good morning. I was reading this morning's paper and
Who's the boss? -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Good morning! Have you ever seen one of these? (Show the
Use the right ticket -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Good morning! Let's pretend that we want to take a trip to
Our inheritance -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought with me this morning something very special to me.
By God's grace we are ... -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Easter Day - B
How many of you know who Popeye is? (Let them answer.)
A brand-new year -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C
Good morning! Well, here we are in church on a Saturday
A mystery solved! -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
Some people really like reading mystery novels. (Here you
Jesus the great teacher -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you attend school?
Samantha and Henry -- John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today I just brought with me my imaginary sheep, Samantha and Henry.

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Listening For God -- John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Larry Winebrenner -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2012
Contents"Listening for God" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Valley -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2012
Contents"The Valley" by Keith Hewitt
Going For The Goal Line -- Mark 1:29-39, Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- C. David Mckirachan, Alex A. Gondola, Jr., John E. Sumwalt, Constance Berg -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
Contents "She Served Them" by C. David McKirachan
The Path To Healing -- Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Psalm 30 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Lamar Massingill -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2012
Contents"The Path to Healing" by Peter Andrew Smith
Always The Same, Always Changing -- Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
Contents"Always the Same, Always Changing" by Frank Ramirez

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 (2011) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
1 Samuel 3:1-20
Multiple Illustrations for Advent 4 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Claudia Puig reviewed... -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
Claudia Puig reviewed the movie Cowboys & Aliens for USA Today.
The first time I ever heard the term curriculum vitae... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Craig Kelly -- New Year's Day - B -- 2011
The first time I ever heard the term curriculum vitae, I was a youth delegate at our Anglican
What do you get for the man that has everything? -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
What do you get for the man that has everything?
When The Oprah Winfrey Show ended... -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2011
After the close of The Oprah Winfrey Show, People magazine did a review of its 25 year
A few years ago I attended lectures at the Chautauqua Institute... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Hasler -- New Year's Day - B -- 2011
A few years ago I attended lectures at the Chautauqua Institute in western New York.
In September of 1985 my church burnt to the ground... -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
In September of 1985 my church burnt to the ground.
Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2012) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Everyone seems to want to know the future... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Craig Kelly -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Everyone seems to want to know the future.
I have several different authors whose works I enjoy... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Craig Kelly -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
I have several different authors whose works I enjoy.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow could write poetically... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow could write poetically about "my gospel," even as Paul did in his conclud
Martin Luther King Jr. tells of a low moment... -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2011
In his book Strength to Love, Martin Luther King Jr.
There is a time and season for everything... -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
There is a time and season for everything.
The Republican Party seemed assured of victory... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The Republican Party seemed assured of victory in the 1948 Presidential election.
At the end of the Third Punic War... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Brian Hohmeier -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
At the end of the Third Punic War, with Carthage defeated, Rome razed the city, such that no stone w
It can honestly be tempting sometimes when we look... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
It can honestly be tempting sometimes when we look through scripture at some of the theophanies, or
Dr. Carl Jung and a troubled clergyman... -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2011
Dr. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, once had a troubled clergyman come to him for help.
Friday, July 22, 2011, made it one year -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Ron Love -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011, made it one year. A year that is a testimony of love.
Multiple Illustrations for Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
Isaiah 9:2-7

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My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Take Up Whose Cross? -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Reverence At Ballgames -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Universal Salvation, Universal Scandal, Or What? -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- George L. Murphy -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Savior Until The Palms Run Out -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Carter Shelley
Dear Fellow Preacher,
"shock And Awe" -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B
Dear Preacher,
If He Comes Back ... -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Too Good To Be True? -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Good Shepherd And The Good Mother:a Tough Job Description -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Gospel Reloaded -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- George L. Murphy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
American Individualism And Christian Community:contradiction, Compromise, Or Challenge? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carter Shelley -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What Does It Mean To Be Ready -- Mark 8:27-38, James 3:1-12, Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
The fact that such a beloved spokesperson for animals, Steve Irwin, died in such an accident, althou
Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- George L. Murphy
Dear Immediate Word subscribers,
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
A Seeker's Faith -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From newspaper editorial pages and cable television news channels to internet "blogs" and direct-mai
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.
What Is Truth? -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Like many other things in our culture, truth seems to be a concept that is often for sale to the hig
Hey! What's The Deal? -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Although Jesus was God's only begotten Son he was not spared the endurance of pain, agony, suffering
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Child That Changed The World -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Eight days after his birth Jesus was circumcised according to Jewish law and custom.
Do You See What I See? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
There is a gentle and quaint Christmas carol in which the shepherds of Bethlehem point out to everyo
How To Treat Your Enemies -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Did you hear about the man who went into the preaching ministry, worked for seven years, then resign
Persevering In The Faith -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Many years ago, a friend of mine remarked that several years earlier he and his wife had quit attend
Stay In The City -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
When Jesus leaves earth, in the Ascension, he advises that we stay in the city.
Words, Words, Words -- And The Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
One of my favorite cartoons appeared in The New Yorker magazine.
Baptism and Self-Esteem -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Every once in awhile I am surprised by a film which offers a message that I never expected.
You Can Create A Godly Heritage! -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Former Colorado Governor Richard Lamm said: "Future historians will see best the multiple factors th
Written On The Heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
A place to start with this passage is the use of the word "husband" by Jeremiah to describe the mess
Becoming New -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
When we fast we are not to become dismal.
I Can't Wait! -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Novelist Irwin Shaw was once taking a meal at a fancy French restaurant.
Symbols Of Hope And Reality -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John A. Stroman -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
We are about to embark on Holy Week.
Breaking the Taboo -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
"Taboo." It's a strange, mysterious, ancient-sounding word that we don't use much any more in our mo
How Good News Spreads! -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1999
In 1971 I made a trip to Russia.
Standing Firm -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Some years ago, a Methodist Bishop of national reknown was asked to speak at an annual conference of
Calmly Plotting The Resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
We have come to the end of a spiritual journey, one which we were faithful enough to take.
Promises, Promises, Promises -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Somewhere today a woman picks up another dirty shirt and tosses it into the laundry basket.
The Friend Of Sinners -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- John A. Stroman -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
Jesus' critics complained that "this fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:2).
Judgment Day -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
Introductory DramaCharacters: Man Woman
Godly Sexual Passion For An X-Rated World! -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1999
The Hebrew word for love, awhab or awrag, means "to pant, to long for, to breathe heavily after." P
Through Many Doors, He Comes -- John 20:19-31 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Jesus came to earth. Jesus left earth.
The Brink Of Eternity -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Creating a sermon is a funny thing.
The Right Person For The Job -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- John A. Stroman -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Consideration is being given today to the teaching sermon.
When the Fat Lady Sings -- Mark 13:24-32 -- Steven E. Albertin -- 1999
That great twentieth century prophet of Yankee Stadium, Yogi Berra, said it well when describing the
All Mine To Give! -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Do you ever get tired of giving?

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Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- George L. Murphy
Dear Immediate Word subscribers,
One God, Many Faiths, And A Divided World -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
This Sunday The Immediate Word writers will be discussing how hearing the words, "I'm sorry"
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Forgiveness Heard Round The World -- Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
This week's The Immediate Word is written by Barbara Jurgensen.
A Seeker's Faith -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From newspaper editorial pages and cable television news channels to internet "blogs" and direct-mai
Hey! What's The Deal? -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Although Jesus was God's only begotten Son he was not spared the endurance of pain, agony, suffering
What Is Truth? -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Like many other things in our culture, truth seems to be a concept that is often for sale to the hig
Jesus In Today's Political Atmosphere -- Mark 10:46-52, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
"What do you want me to do for you?" is a question that we all wish our public servants would ask an
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Loving The Not So Lovable -- Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-14, Ruth 1:1-18, Psalm 146 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...
Covenant Or Contract? (Preview Of Tiw For April 2, 2006) -- George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
In the words of the old adage, "money makes the world go round" -- and people find all sorts of crea
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc
Covenant Or Contract? -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Thom M. Shuman -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
In the words of the old adage, "money makes the world go round" -- and people find all sorts of crea
Christ The King, What's That All About? -- Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
We need a new triumphalism -- not the old triumphalism that's all about vanquishing others here on e
Who Should Carry The Load? -- Mark 14:1--15:47, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Passion Sunday - B
T
Alive Again! -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Easter Day - B
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
The "real Presence" Of The Church -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- George Reed, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
D
Car-Nation And Christianity -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.
Listening To God Through Bird Flu -- John 15:9-17, 1 John 5:1-6, Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
One of the distinguishing features of these first few years of the 21st century has been how much in
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
34 – Sermons
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31 – Commentary / Exegesis
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John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

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John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

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John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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