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Children's Activity

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

That's a plan -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 89:20-37 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The best laid plans of mice, men, and ministers often go astray.
Serving an underestimated God -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- David Kalas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From time to time in the car, especially during football season, I listen to sports talk radio.
Maker of heaven and earth -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Okay, sooner or later, and more likely sooner than later, if you engage in the homiletical enterpri
Turning point -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Journey -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Remember when you first said to someone that you loved her?
Getting to yes -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
A number of years ago, a colleague and I were in a kind of leadership stalemate.
What triumph? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, 9:9, 10, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - B
A scared band of disciples anxiously watching out of the corner of their eyes as they come into Jer
Changing times -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Advent reminds us of the flow of time. We are all bound by time.
Living in faith -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Luke 2:41-52 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
After Christmas, with its striking combination of trying human circumstances and glorious divine rev
All the time in the world -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
As a rule, you can tell how much time a person has by how quickly they move.

Children's bulletin

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

The most special place -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2006
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God.
Bad stains -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice
Giving all she had -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more
Confidence -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus....
Mighty Dog -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray." (v. 5)
Diversity -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made
Bird nest improvements -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2006
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heave
Beginning and end -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2006
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Alm
A to Z -- John 18:33-37 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2006
Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world.

The Immediate Word

The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2015) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
Jeremiah 31:7-14
How many times has that... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
How many times has that been sung by the Israelites?
The prophet Jeremiah tells... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
The prophet Jeremiah tells the people of Israel that their mourning will be turned to gladness and g
When a little girl's letter... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
When a little girl's letter to Legos went viral asking why the company did not have a line of toys f
Predestination: This is nothing... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
Predestination: This is nothing more than saying that God's love is a little like that of a Father l
John tells us that Jesus... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
John tells us that Jesus is the word who became flesh. He is God incarnate.
The word was Jesus... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
The word was Jesus. He was with God in the beginning and he was God. There is only one God.
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of Our Lord (2015) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2014
Isaiah 60:1-6
We need light in the midst... -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2014
We need light in the midst of our darkness our lesson proclaims.
When Dr. Kent Brantly was... -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2014
When Dr.

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
All Saints Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 25:6-9 (C)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 1:1-5 (C)
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 (C)
Corpus Christi -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 24:3-8
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 10:34-43 (C, RC, E)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS Lesson 1: Acts 4:32-35 (C, RC)
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 3:12-19 (C); Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 (RC)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)

The Village Shepherd

Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Parades And Crosses -- The Challenge Of Ministry -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Looking To The Unseen -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe

SermonStudio

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.
Assurance -- Psalm 85 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
We live our lives suspended somewhere between a period and an ellipsis.
Testimony -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
In the rural church where my family worshiped and served during my childhood and youth, the midweek
Fulfillment -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
The closer Christmas gets the more the tension builds. Can't you feel it?
Watching And Working -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Our focus during the season of Advent is on the arrival of Jesus Christ.

Stories

SermonStudio

Greta's Glorious Body -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Greta Schmidt huffed and puffed her way through the church hallways toward the Parish Nurse's office
Sutton's Folly -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Ed Weeks couldn't believe his bad luck.
Casting Out Demons -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
There was once a deeply troubled church that could not keep any pastor for more than a year or two.
A Seat On Bill -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
My friend Bill Benson was a successful small town businessman.
One In Need Of Healing: Naaman's Story -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
We would all be well advised to be careful where and how we tell this story.
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
Fearless Freddie -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Once upon a time there was a boy known as Fearless Freddie.
Afflicted -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a little boy whose most prized possession was a light blue cat's-eye crystal marble.
You Shall Not Murder -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a man who was an active proponent of capital punishment.
Dog Days Of The Soul -- John 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Introduction

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

The Understanding God -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: It is good to sing praise to our God.
God Speaks To His People -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: With all our hearts let us thank the Lord.
God's Call To Change Our Ways -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Wait in silence for God, for our hope is from him.
Called By God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Wait patiently for the Lord and he will hear your cry.
The Beginning -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
God Of All The People -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Arise, shine, for your light has come.
The Work Goes On -- True Happiness -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Holy Spirit Is Available To All -- Acts 10:44-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
Good News About Jesus Brings Joy -- Acts 8:26-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
People: The Lord is king and he rules the nations.
No Other Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Trust in the Lord and seek his presence.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Maundy Thursday
15+ – Sermons
70+ – Illustrations / Stories
20+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
15+ – Worship Resources
10 – Commentary / Exegesis
and more...
Good Friday
16+ – Sermons
70+ – Illustrations / Stories
20+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
15+ – Worship Resources
10 – Commentary / Exegesis
and more...
Easter!
30+ – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
30+ – 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

Christopher Keating
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
George Reed
For April 5, 2026:
  • Rattled by Resurrection by Chris Keating. Jesus’ resurrection becomes the earth-shattering good news which reshapes our understandings of power, inequity, and hope.

CSSPlus

Bethany Peerbolte
There are many things in faith that only make sense if we understand the connection. Things like loving one another is the same as loving God, or God’s voice may come to us through the physical voice of a parent or close friend. Making connections in faith is important.
Mary Kay Eichelman
How many of you like to have a snack before you go to bed. Some kids like to eat cereal not only for breakfast but also for a nighttime snack.

There was a family of four hungry boys and every night they would eat cereal before going to bed. But this one night they accidently left the milk jug out on the counter. OOPS! Mom came into the kitchen in the morning and was not very happy. She had planned to make pancakes for everyone but the milk was all spoiled as it had been left out on the counter all night.  

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
You and I come here for a variety of different reasons this Easter morning. For some, you come because of a deep abiding expectation that yearns to be reminded that our Lord died, but then out of death, God granted life. And in turn you know, therefore, that nothing is impossible with our Lord.
Thomas A. Pilgrim
Bishop Walter L. Underwood wrote a book a few years ago called Being Human Being Hopeful. The last chapter is on the subject of death. He refers to a statement made by actor Woody Allen, who said, "I don't want immortality through my work. I want immortality through not dying."1 I read that book with great interest. Then I learned that Bishop Underwood died not long after I had read his book, and I went back and read that last chapter again. It is a great affirmation of our faith in the face of life's greatest question.
Tony S. Everett
What a joyful day! Throughout the world Christians are gathered to celebrate resurrection... new life emerging from the grave; new light bursting forth from a darkened tomb.
Schuyler Rhodes
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you!

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you!
Lee Griess
There once was a majestic cathedral in Northern Europe that was known for its magnificent organ. Unlike the pipe organs and electronic organs of our day, the organs in the old churches of Europe depended upon air pumped by hand to produce sound. When they had services or wanted to play the organ, an assistant to man the pumps was needed in addition to an organist to press the keys.
Richard L. Sheffield
The Lord is risen!

He is risen indeed!

The Lord is risen!

He is risen indeed!

The Lord is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Indeed he is! Really is! For real!
You know about the only place anybody ever says "indeed" is in church. Let's say it like we really mean it. Like we would say it anyplace else.

I'll say, "The Lord is risen!" You say, "He really is!"
Let's try that: "The Lord is risen!" ("He really is!")
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Tradition is an integral part of being human. All nations, peoples, cultures, and families celebrate many traditions in special and unique ways. In the United States there are many traditions, some of which have become so much a part of what we are as a nation that we don't even think of them as traditions. For example, we use a Roman form of law where the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty. Under our system of law people have rights guaranteed to them by the law of the land, the Constitution.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Once in a far-off land there was a great king whose dominion extended far and wide. His power and authority were absolute. One day a young man, a commoner, committed a grave offense against the king. In response the king and his counselors gathered together to determine what should be done. They decided that since the offense was so grave and had been committed by a commoner against someone so august as the king, the only punishment that would satisfy justice was death.
Albert G. Butzer, III
As part of my preparation for ministry, I participated in a program called Clinical Pastoral Education, or C.P.E. for short. The purpose of C.P.E. is to teach clergy to become more effective pastors: to make better hospital visits, to counsel people who are dying, to comfort those who are grieving. One day during class our instructor asked us to take out a piece of paper and a pen. Then he gave us these instructions:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
All of the texts for this Easter’s celebration of the resurrection direct us to consider the resurrection’s reality and impact. This will lead to sermons focusing primarily on Sanctification.

Acts 10:34-43
The first lesson (Acts 10:34-43), which may also serve as the second lesson, reports on Peter’s confession of the gospel justifying his efforts to convert the Gentile Cornelius in Caesarea. The message of this lesson is a good example of Luke’s concern to highlight the universal outreach of Paul’s mission (1:8).

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:
The angel said, "Jesus has been raised from the dead, and is going ahead of you." Jesus still goes ahead of us today. In our worship, let us find out where Jesus is going and follow him.


Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, help me to listen for your voice.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, call me and enable me to hear you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, lead me in the way in which I should go.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Craig Kelly
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
"No Respecter of Persons" by Craig Kelly
"The Difference the Third Day Makes" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


No Respecter of Persons
by Craig Kelly
Acts 10:34-43

Aden clutched the paper bag a little tighter as he walked down the street.

Try to look calm. You have nothing to hide.
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
"The King Is Dead..." by C. David McKirachan
"Washing One Another's Feet" by Larry Winebrenner
"Repaying God" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Garden at Twilight" by Keith Hewitt
"Jesus in His Disturbing Disguise" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * * *


Get Your Boots On
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Contents
"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
"The King Is Dead..." by C. David McKirachan
"Washing One Another's Feet" by Larry Winebrenner
"Repaying God" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Garden at Twilight" by Keith Hewitt
"Jesus in His Disturbing Disguise" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * * *


Get Your Boots On
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14

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