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The Immediate Word

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

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,
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Living With Fear -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
What, Then, Did You Go Out To See? -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
When President Bush came to Canada last week, he was met by John the Baptist.
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during
A Sermon Idea From The Immediate Word On The Rescue Of Elizabeth Smart -- George L. Murphy
A Sermon Idea from The Immediate Word on the Rescue of Elizabeth Smart
The Original Super Bowl? -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18 -- George L. Murphy -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Paul Bresnahan
Paul Bresnahan is the priest-in-charge of St.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
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,
Fully, Only Human -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Chris Ewing -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Striving to win and to test limits, athletes have been in the news lately for risking the use of ill
Sin And Punishment Versus Grace And Hope -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
January 18, 2004
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Religion And Politics -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
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,
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
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,
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Over The Top And Over A Cliff -- Luke 4:21-30, Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Fully, Only Human -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Chris Ewing -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Striving to win and to test limits, athletes have been in the news lately for risking the use of ill
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
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,
Religion And Politics -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - 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,
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
Over The Top And Over A Cliff -- Luke 4:21-30, Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Some Good News About Crime -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
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,
Who Gets The Gold? -- Luke 14:7-14, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Proverbs 25:6-7 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
For two weeks we've seen some almost incredible physical feats, a lot of spectacle (wonderfully prep
Dean Feldmeyer
Dean Feldmeyer is the pastor of Wilmington United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Ohio, where
Netting A Dream -- Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Our Lead Story -- Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6, Colossians 3:1-4, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- George L. Murphy -- Easter Day - A
March 27, 2005Easter Sunday| Cycle A
How Would Jesus Campaign? -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Savior Until The Palms Run Out -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Carter Shelley
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Life's Farthest Limits -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Mary Austin
Mary Austin is the pastor of Westminster Church, a Presbyterian church for all people, located in De
Super Bowl Obscenities -- Luke 6:17-26 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher
Missing Earth Day -- John 14:1-14, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- George L. Murphy -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Love Of Neighbor: Priceless -- Romans 13:8-14, Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
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,
A Sermon Idea From The Immediate Word On The Rescue Of Elizabeth Smart -- George L. Murphy
A Sermon Idea from The Immediate Word on the Rescue of Elizabeth Smart
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What, Then, Did You Go Out To See? -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
When President Bush came to Canada last week, he was met by John the Baptist.
The Original Super Bowl? -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18 -- George L. Murphy -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
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,
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Paul Bresnahan
Paul Bresnahan is the priest-in-charge of St.
Fully, Only Human -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Chris Ewing -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Striving to win and to test limits, athletes have been in the news lately for risking the use of ill
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Sin And Punishment Versus Grace And Hope -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
January 18, 2004
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,
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Religion And Politics -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
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,
Some Good News About Crime -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Over The Top And Over A Cliff -- Luke 4:21-30, Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Constructing Community -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 128, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
The shock of betrayal that Jacob experienced the morning after his wedding resonates all too easily
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,
It's Not The Economy, Stupid -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Introducing the Texts
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What, Then, Did You Go Out To See? -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
When President Bush came to Canada last week, he was met by John the Baptist.
A Sermon Idea From The Immediate Word On The Rescue Of Elizabeth Smart -- George L. Murphy
A Sermon Idea from The Immediate Word on the Rescue of Elizabeth Smart
The Original Super Bowl? -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18 -- George L. Murphy -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during
Sin And Punishment Versus Grace And Hope -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
January 18, 2004
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Paul Bresnahan
Paul Bresnahan is the priest-in-charge of St.
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,
Fully, Only Human -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Chris Ewing -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Striving to win and to test limits, athletes have been in the news lately for risking the use of ill
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - 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,
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Religion And Politics -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Over The Top And Over A Cliff -- Luke 4:21-30, Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Some Good News About Crime -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
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,

Worship

The Immediate Word

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,
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Living With Fear -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
What, Then, Did You Go Out To See? -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
When President Bush came to Canada last week, he was met by John the Baptist.
Hero Time -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Athletes and sports in general are always hot topics in American culture -- and even more so during
The Original Super Bowl? -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18 -- George L. Murphy -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
A Sermon Idea From The Immediate Word On The Rescue Of Elizabeth Smart -- George L. Murphy
A Sermon Idea from The Immediate Word on the Rescue of Elizabeth Smart
Named, Claimed, And Unashamed -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
Judge Deborah -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Paul Bresnahan
Paul Bresnahan is the priest-in-charge of St.
Ananias, Meet Your Brother -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Fully, Only Human -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Chris Ewing -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Striving to win and to test limits, athletes have been in the news lately for risking the use of ill
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,
Sin And Punishment Versus Grace And Hope -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
January 18, 2004
Thanksgiving Opportunities -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 100 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Religion And Politics -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
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,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
All Trees Are Christmas Trees -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George L. Murphy, Larry Hard, Wesley T. Runk -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Ronald H. Love
Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper.
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
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,
Over The Top And Over A Cliff -- Luke 4:21-30, Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

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