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Children's Activity

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Problem of Authority -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Every age has the problem of sorting out the true prophets from the charlatans.
In Transition -- Job 7:1-7, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
February is for the church a month of transition from the Epiphany theme of showing forth the life,
The Trinity -- Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17, John 3:1-17 -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Few, in their right minds, would address this subject if they could get out of it; yet it does need
The Spirit -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 2:1-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Few issues trouble the church more than dealing with matters of the Spirit.
Hide and seek -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Hide and seek may be a child's game, but we adults spend a lot of time playing our own version of it
Passover and Pentecost -- Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Day of Pentecost - B
I encourage you to do some extensive work in an effort to understand something of the meaning of Pen
The Exalted Lord -- Ascension of the Lord - B
I imagine the world could not hold all the records of discussions about the ascension and its meanin
Drowsy disciples -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday of Advent - B
I watched with amusement, recently, as a gentleman across the table from me at a church committee me
Theme and Season -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
If the spirit of expectancy and anticipation is appropriate at Advent it is clear that a question a
The Spiritual Life -- Ephesians 4:30-5:2, John 6:41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
If you listen to many people speak of the spiritual life it appears that to be spiritual is to becom

Children's bulletin

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's sermon

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Our Redeemer -- Titus 2:11-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Many of you have seen coupons before. Chances are your parents use them. But how do coupons work?
Savior, Messiah, Lord -- Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Today I brought a campaign poster of our president.
God's Word -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Whenever someone speaks to us, it is with words.
Silly! -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Let's pretend this morning. Let's pretend that we believe that this figurine is our god.
Authority -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
When I graduated from grade school, I received this piece of paper.
He understands -- Hebrews 2:14-18 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Tests show us how much we know.
The Light -- Luke 2:22-4 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Today is "Groundhog Day." Why is that?
The Light shining in darkness -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Sometimes the darkness can be frightening. Have you ever been someplace that is very, very dark?
He was transfigured -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
How many of you saw a caterpillar last summer?
The new that stays new -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B
There once was a man who liked new things. He saved his money and bought new things.

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The pastor of the church... -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2014
The pastor of the church that I attended as a child told the congregation that he would be holding a
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 (2015) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
The New York Times has... -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
The New York Times has a column called the "Corner Office" in which they interview the CEO of
Our text is all about the... -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
Our text is all about the surprising ways in which God operates, how God took the little boy Samuel
We can see what Paul is... -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
We can see what Paul is complaining about here.
Our sexuality is God-given... -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
Our sexuality is God-given.
One point this lesson makes... -- John 1:43-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
One point this lesson makes is that Jesus does not want miracles to be the reason for or the root of
Jimmy Carter, in his memoir... -- John 1:43-51 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
Jimmy Carter, in his memoir An Hour Before Daylight, recounted the number of tramps that freq
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
I'm sure we delight... -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
I'm sure we delight in the Lord or we wouldn't be here on Sunday morning, but do we delight "greatly

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Lesson 1: Hosea 2:14-20 (C); Hosea 2:16-17, 21-22 (RC); Hosea 2:14-23 (E)
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1-6, 9 (E)
Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13„53:12 (C, RC, E)
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 9:8-17 (C, E); Genesis 9:8-15 (RC)
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (C)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-17 (C, RC, E)
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Numbers 21:4-9 (C)
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (C, RC, E)
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Sermon

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving And Thanksliving -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Don't you just love times of thanksgiving?
No More Camping Out -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
I wanted to see if we could get a show of hands today.
Claiming A Do-Over Faith -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
What do you think of when you hear the word "jubilee"?
A Level Playing Field For God -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A Level Playing Field For God
Apocalypse Wow! -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
A pastor friend of mine recently attended a ministerial meeting at a Presbyterian church, along with
Final Instructions -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ron Lavin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
Final Instructions
Taking The Long View -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
So much seems to press upon us in our daily living that "taking the long view" may not only be remot
Ashes For Remembering -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Ashes For Remembering
Day One: A New Beginning -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Day One: A New Beginning
Having The Last Word -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
The Wizard of Id comic strip characterizes a feisty little fellow as the despotic ruler of th

Stories

SermonStudio

Unstained By The World -- James 1:17-27 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1996
A good friend of mine lives just two blocks from the Saint Croix Casino in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.
Keeping Watch -- Psalm 146 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1996
A little boy named Jacob was getting ready for bed.
Cross Foolishness -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
Emma stomped up the church steps and unlocked the front door.
Who Is The Greatest? -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
A holy woman from India was traveling through the United States on a speaking tour to raise money fo
One Of These Little Ones -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
The patrolman heard three shots fired in rapid succession and started running toward the sound as fa
What God Has Joined Together -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
Laurie reached for the telephone for the third time in ten minutes, but, once again, her hand recoil
Father Good -- Mark 10:17-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
They called him Father Good, though he was not ordained and he had no natural children.
Frog Song -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
"We will hear citizens' comments now," the Mayor announced.
Will Work For Food -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
A well-known politician came into a large American city one day to speak at a political rally.
Laying Down The Law -- Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Awards Sunday was the biggest annual event at Calvary Church.

The Political Pulpit

Worship

SermonStudio

The Lord Comes With Power -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: As we worship, prepare a way for the Lord to come into your life.
Plea For God's Presence -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Proper 13 -- Ephesians 6:10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 6:10-18)
Releasing Joy -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us rejoice in this day that God has made.
God Who Gave -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: It is Christmas.People: The Holy Child has come.
Getting It Straight -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Just A Few Drops Of Water -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Quiet baptismal water connects us to God forever.
god or God? -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Theme: god or God?Call To Worship

Free Access

Second Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)
Proper 27 | OT 32 Worship Resources -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17Theme: Happy Ending
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
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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


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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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