Login / Signup

The Immediate Word

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Resisting The Cure -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Chris Ewing -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
As the medical community anxiously scans the horizon for signs of the promised flu pandemic, attenti
Null -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
The Contender -- Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Passion Sunday - A
Violence has fragmented our world again this week. It seems almost pandemic.
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
New Life - From The Laboratory Or The Font? -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- George L. Murphy -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Prayer For Public Consumption? -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe
A Quality of Leadership -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The question of the relationship of leadership and ethics can be contentious and disruptive in the c
Chris Ewing
Chris Ewing has served both French- and English-speaking congregations of the Presbyterian an
Was It Only A Dream? -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest..." (Isaiah 62:1).
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
Choosing Hope -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Where do we, as a people, look for hope? Or, as a people, have we given up on hope?
It's A Small World After All -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - B
Media theorist Marshall McLuhan first coined the term "global village" nearly four decades ago, and

Illustration

The Immediate Word

But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
New Life - From The Laboratory Or The Font? -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- George L. Murphy -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Prayer For Public Consumption? -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
A Quality of Leadership -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The question of the relationship of leadership and ethics can be contentious and disruptive in the c
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe
Chris Ewing
Chris Ewing has served both French- and English-speaking congregations of the Presbyterian an
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Was It Only A Dream? -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest..." (Isaiah 62:1).
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
Choosing Hope -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Where do we, as a people, look for hope? Or, as a people, have we given up on hope?
It's A Small World After All -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - B
Media theorist Marshall McLuhan first coined the term "global village" nearly four decades ago, and
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
Called To A Strange Life -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Scott Suskovic, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
We have many questions that need answers. We wrestle with these questions every day.
A Preternaturally Gifted Triune God -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
As we make our way into the 21st century, our world faces a host of challenges that potentially enda
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
You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?
Seeds Of Disaster And Seeds Of Hope -- Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
The American military operation last week resulting in the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Za
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
Galilean Idol! -- Luke 4:1-13, Romans 10:8b-13, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Why is the American public so interested in what is happening with others -- especially the famous a
A Passing Touch -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Summer evenings at the ballpark are a favorite way for many to celebrate the "national pastime" -- a
Thom M. Shuman
Thom M.
Blessed, But Who's Counting? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
January 30, 2005

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Null -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Resisting The Cure -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Chris Ewing -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
As the medical community anxiously scans the horizon for signs of the promised flu pandemic, attenti
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Contender -- Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Passion Sunday - A
Violence has fragmented our world again this week. It seems almost pandemic.
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
New Life - From The Laboratory Or The Font? -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- George L. Murphy -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prayer For Public Consumption? -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Chris Ewing
Chris Ewing has served both French- and English-speaking congregations of the Presbyterian an
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
A Quality of Leadership -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The question of the relationship of leadership and ethics can be contentious and disruptive in the c
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
Was It Only A Dream? -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest..." (Isaiah 62:1).
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
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
Choosing Hope -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Where do we, as a people, look for hope? Or, as a people, have we given up on hope?
It's A Small World After All -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Day of Pentecost - B
Media theorist Marshall McLuhan first coined the term "global village" nearly four decades ago, and

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What Kind Of Light? -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
What Kind Of Light?Isaiah 49:1-7 By George Murphy
Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.
Null -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Resisting The Cure -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Chris Ewing -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
As the medical community anxiously scans the horizon for signs of the promised flu pandemic, attenti
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Contender -- Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Passion Sunday - A
Violence has fragmented our world again this week. It seems almost pandemic.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
New Life - From The Laboratory Or The Font? -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- George L. Murphy -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prayer For Public Consumption? -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Chris Ewing
Chris Ewing has served both French- and English-speaking congregations of the Presbyterian an
A Quality of Leadership -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The question of the relationship of leadership and ethics can be contentious and disruptive in the c
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
Was It Only A Dream? -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest..." (Isaiah 62:1).
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
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
Choosing Hope -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Where do we, as a people, look for hope? Or, as a people, have we given up on hope?

Worship

The Immediate Word

What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Can You Handle The Truth? -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Where Can You Go From The Top? -- John 4:5-42, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
For the Third Sunday in Lent, February 27, the gospel is John 4:5-42.
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Null -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Resisting The Cure -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Chris Ewing -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
As the medical community anxiously scans the horizon for signs of the promised flu pandemic, attenti
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Contender -- Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Mary Boyd Click -- Passion Sunday - A
Violence has fragmented our world again this week. It seems almost pandemic.
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
New Life - From The Laboratory Or The Font? -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- George L. Murphy -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prayer For Public Consumption? -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
A Good-Enough Marriage -- Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
December 19, 2004Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A
Chris Ewing
Chris Ewing has served both French- and English-speaking congregations of the Presbyterian an
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
A Quality of Leadership -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The question of the relationship of leadership and ethics can be contentious and disruptive in the c
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
Was It Only A Dream? -- John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest..." (Isaiah 62:1).
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
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
Choosing Hope -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Where do we, as a people, look for hope? Or, as a people, have we given up on hope?
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for adventure. And by the time we returned to our own land after many years, I was older and wiser than my age might have you believe.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy in my home, living in the paddock with my brothers and sisters and the rest of the herd, for we were well looked after. We always had food and water, and the camel master almost never beat us, even when occasionally we'd spit at him, just for fun.

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness is powerless to extinguish it.

Darkness has always been a potent metaphor for those things in life that oppress and enthrall us, frighten and intimidate us, cause us worry and anxiety and leech the joy from our lives.

We know darkness in our physical lives when illness is close at hand, when we lack the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and clothing.
Paul E. Robinson
Early in January in northern Canada the sun peeks above the horizon for the first time after six weeks of hiding. An important dawn for Canada. Imagine how the lives of people in the northern latitudes would be different if they got used to the darkness and never even expected that a dawn would ever lighten their horizon again.
John N. Brittain
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs. Not a large city, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any place in the US. This dates back to the 1880s, when Greek immigrants moving into the area were hired as sponge divers, a trade they had plied back in the old country. Today Tarpon Springs' main claim to fame is the Greek Orthodox Church's Epiphany celebration, which is held every January 6, with the blessing of the waters and the boats.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down. We still have a fighting chance to keep our resolutions for the new year. Cartoons always depict the New Year as a baby, full of possibilities and innocence. We hope that with a new year we can leave the baggage behind us, stretching toward a brighter future.

Stephen M. Crotts
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received. Other things are written from anger. And there is much these days in any pastorate to make one mad. Still other messages are delivered from depression. I'm convinced that the majority of preachers I know are over the edge into burnout. And what of this particular study? Where am I coming from? Today, I'm writing from a broken heart, a heart shattered by a fallen comrade.
William B. Kincaid, III
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays? And is any warning necessary that bad things will happen in every season of this year? Surely there is better news than that, but we ought to be honest about the bad news. Not even the holidays generate enough good will to stop people from blowing up airplanes and destroying people's reputations and abusing children and selling drugs to teenagers and gunning down their neighbors.
Robert A. Beringer
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time. You meet someone on the street you have not seen for awhile. "What's new?" "Oh, nothing much, really.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Lutheran Church [ELCA], Oakwood, Georgia. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. She is the co-author with her husband of three books.
Mark J. Molldrem
Schuyler Rhodes
These are the longest hours of darkness. Although the winter solstice is passed, the darkness lingers for many more weeks. The season becomes a symbol for the longing of the human spirit to "see the light." It becomes difficult to catch sight of the light, however, when so many shadows lurk at every turn of a corner we make. We claim to be an enlightened people; yet settle for clap-trap on television and spend countless hours absorbing it like a sponge under a dripping faucet. We call athletes heroes for nothing more than being good at what they do.
Cathy Venkatesh
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating the visit of the wise men. For some Christian churches, the main celebration of Christ's incarnation occurs on this day. But in the United States, Monday, January 6, 2014, is nothing special in the public sphere. For most of us, this day marks the beginning of our first full week back at work or school after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL