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Ash Wednesday - B

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Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Sad clowns -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Materials Craft foam (fun foam, pre-cut into triangles to save time, if needed)
The new that stays new -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Teachers or Parents: Make the days of Lent different

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20 -- Ash Wednesday - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20 -- Ash Wednesday - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Despite Our Sin... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
To be sure, the theme of Ash Wednesday is about sorrow for sin in the midst of life’s meaninglessnes
Planning for the Future One Day at a Time -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2021
Have a good Lent.
Lent Calls -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Today marks the beginning of Lent. In some churches, that is a nearly meaningless designation.
Moksha -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015
Evagrius Ponticus (also known as Evagrius the Solitary) was a Christian monk and ascetic who resi
'My bad' -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bass M. Mitchell -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
I like to listen to how teenagers talk, though I admit that sometimes I really don't understand what
Dust in the wind -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2003
Sometimes a song gets so deep inside your head that it can never be uprooted.
Deceiving appearances -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2000
The old proverb says appearances can be deceiving. And there is much truth in those words.
Joel 3:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1997
FIRST LESSON FOCUSASH WEDNESDAYBy James A. Nestingen
This Lent give up sin -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1994
Traditionally, the church prepares for Easter by engaging in a time for penitence, prayer and fastin
Self denial -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10) -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1991
I have a missionary friend who has spent most of his adult life in India working as a missionary-edu
Repentance and Penance -- Joel 2:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2 -- Ash Wednesday - B
The meaning of words like repentance, penance, grace, reconciliation and the like have a way of get

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20 -- Ash Wednesday - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20 -- Ash Wednesday - B

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

In Secret! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John Jamison -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
Object: Three stacking cups.
Showing Off! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John Jamison -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2021
Object: Some kind of noisemaker like a horn, a whistle, pan lids, or anything else
O the Power of Soap -- The Day of Ashes -- Matthew 6:1-16, 16-21 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (v. 21)
Lasting Treasure -- Matthew 6:1-16, 16-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2014
The Point: The best treasure is laid up in heaven.
Carrying God's Mark -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Anna Shirey -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
First Thoughts: As we begin our journey into Lent, we are faced with some weighty spiritual q
Sad clowns -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Greetings, boys and girls. Today is the beginning of the Lenten season.
Keep it a secret -- Matthew 6:1-6 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Good evening! I read this story recently in the paper about
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
Muddy shoes -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Greetings, boys and girls. This is a very special day in our church year.
What's Ash Wednesday? -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Good evening! Why are we in church this Wednesday evening?
A refreshing drink -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B
A traveler walked across the desert and ran out of water. He got more thirsty as time went on.
A real Christian -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to pretend?
Do not enter -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today, we enter into Lent.

Drama

SermonStudio

Blow The Trumpet! -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2024) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2021) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2021
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2018) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2015) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Francis of Assisi grew up in a wealthy Italian family... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Francis of Assisi grew up in a wealthy Italian family.
How many times have we faced a situation where someone died suddenly... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Craig Kelly -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
How many times have we faced a situation where someone died suddenly?
In the early days of World War II... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
In the early days of World War II, Ruth Handler and her husband Elliott designed plastic picture fra
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2011) -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Isaiah 58:1-12
When the armistice was signed... -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
When the armistice was signed that ended the Spanish-American War, which was fought in 1898, the Ame
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 As a... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 As a boy living in the country, Sonny thought his grandfather was some kind of w
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 br... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
As a boy living in... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
As a boy living in the country, Sonny thought his grandfather was some kind of wizard.
According to scripture repentance is... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
According to scripture repentance is wholly an inward act, and should not be confounded with the cha
Wabush, a town in a... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Wabush, a town in a remote portion of Labrador, Canada, was completely isolated for some time.
Not too many years ago... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Not too many years ago, newspapers carried the story of Al Johnson, a Kansas man who came to faith i
Greek mythology tells about a... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Greek mythology tells about a woman named Cassandra.
Today's ashes weave together the... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Today's ashes weave together the glory of last year's Palm Sunday, along with today's intention to t
One of the most memorable... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
One of the most memorable examples of reconciliation in modern times occurred in a little Pennsylvan
Paul considered himself Christ's ambassador... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Paul considered himself Christ's ambassador. What is an ambassador?
One of the methods that... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
One of the methods that bookkeepers use to ensure that their books are correct is bank reconcilia
Humans go to great lengths... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Humans go to great lengths to look good and some go to even greater lengths to look as though they d
He made free use of... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
He made free use of Christian vocabulary.
During one of his political... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
During one of his political campaigns, a delegation called on Theodore Roosevelt at his home in Oyst
There is an old fairy... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
There is an old fairy tale about a poor shoemaker with only enough money to buy the leather for one

StoryShare

If I Should Wake Before I Die -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he

Prayer

SermonStudio

Right rituals for the wrong reasons -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dennis Koch -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: In these sayings Jesus uses three common rituals -- almsgiving,

Preaching

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DaySorrow for sin in the midst of meaninglessness.
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2006
The superscription to this psalm identifies its origins with David's prayer after the prophet Nathan
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Revised Common Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Object: A blindfold and a member of the choir with a loud speaking voice.
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)
A call to repentance and renewal -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: A call to repentance and renewal.
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1990
The title of this day - Ash Wednesday (the rite when ashes are placed on the foreheads of penitents
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1990
The title of this day - Ash Wednesday (the rite when ashes are placed on the foreheads of penitents
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

SermonStudio

Actors -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John Jamison -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015
Whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and
Spiritual Discipline -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John W. Clarke -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2011
"Ashes, ashes, we all fall down," that refrain from a children's song says much in terms of the way
Our Journey Begins Again -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- David H. Webb -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
Once upon a time, tragedy struck a small church family where an eighteen-year-old boy took his own l
Let The Shofar Sound! -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ken Lentz -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
The school bell rings. The noonday siren sounds. The church bells call the faithful to worship.
Clearing Out The Pipes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John S. Smylie -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent, is a time when we have an opportunity to squarely fa
The Season Of Reconciliation -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Nancy Kraft -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Ash Wednesday is the day when we enter into an annual pilgrimage that takes us from the grave that n
Ashes For Remembering -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Ashes For Remembering
Selling Sin In A Celebrative Age -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Dialing the number of a large, well-known metropolitan church, the caller asked, "What time is your
Beware: Hypocrites On Premises -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Whenever I happen to be in a conversation with someone about why they don't go to church, it seems l
Heaven's Applause -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Some words fall into the mud puddle, are never cleaned off, and become permanently tarnished by the
What It Takes To Do The Job -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
What is Job #1 in your life? We know what it is for Ford, right?
Forsaking All Others -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
Can you see the young boys running through the city of Jerusalem yelling, "Blow the trumpets!" and
Becoming New -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
When we fast we are not to become dismal.
Beginning The Journey To Calvary -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- John A. Stroman -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
For centuries Christians have gathered on Ash Wednesday to begin the Lenten journey to Calvary.
Repentance: A New Relationship -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
There's a story about a convention of psychiatrists who had gathered in a large auditorium near Gran
Beware Of Your Piety -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Whatever happened to Lent?
The Ash Account -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Charles Michael Mills -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Lent is a season of reflection. It comes from an Old English
We Do Not Have To Stay The Way We Are! -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Durwood L. Buchheim -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
"Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me,
The Passion of Our Lord -- 2 Corinthians 5:21 -- Edward R. Mangelsdorf -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1975
Lent is that season of the Church's year
Preparing For Our Homecoming -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard E. Gribble -- Ash Wednesday - B
The idea of going home is experienced by various people in different ways, depending on circumstance

Stories

StoryShare

If I Should Wake Before I Die -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he
The Faith of Giving -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2021
Contents“The Faith of Giving” by Peter Andrew Smith
An Acceptable Time To Open Our Eyes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Contents "An Acceptable Time To Open Our Eyes" by Frank Ramirez
Showing Off -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2015
Contents "Showing off" by C. David McKirachan * * * * * * *
We Get Ashes? -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- C. David Mckirachan, Lamar Massingill -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2012
Contents"We Get Ashes?" by C. David McKirachan
Sign Of The Cross -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Sign of the Cross" by C. David McKirachan

SermonStudio

Giving It Up For Lent -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Lent is not normally thought of as an occasion for levity, but ...
Worth More Than Ten Bucks -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Worth More Than Ten Bucks
Treasures -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
A man bought a house.
Old Granddad -- Psalm 51:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Charlie Johnson was up at 5:30, had all of his gear in the trunk of the car, and was drinking coffee
Ronny's Gift -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rebecca Henderleiter -- Ash Wednesday - B
In recovery circles, many tight-knit relationships are formed.

Worship

SermonStudio

Have Mercy, Lord, I Cry -- Psalm 51:1-18 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
1. Have mercy, Lord, I cry, Lord, hear my every sigh, Forgive my sin.
Theme: Give Me Back What The Bugs Stole -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipBased on Joel 2. Leader: Blow the trumpet,
The Mercy Of God -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Sound The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
A Call To Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- B. David Hostetter -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIP Take joy in your salvation and be willing to
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - B
After everyone leaves the sanctuary on Fat Tuesday, and before anyone enters the sanctuary on Ash We
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For August 17, 2025:
  • When Good News Is Bad News by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. Charles Darwin believed that the two most significant achievements in human history were the development of language and the harnessing of fire. Today we apply both, language and the symbol of fire, to our understanding of the gospel.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Isaiah 5:1-7
David Coffin
When does the status quo no longer seem to be working? In her book, The Last Flight Julie Clark begins with the seemingly flawlessly choreographed life of Claire Cook, the wife of a wealthy politician at the peak of this political dynasty. Despite the elegant surroundings of the Manhattan townhouse, staff of ten servants, life behind closed doors is different. Her husband Rory has a hot temper, and is abusive. There is also the memory of the mysterious death of his first wife.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? (Jeremiah 23:26)

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:56)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A fire extinguisher.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started. But I need to warn you that this is a really strange story. At least the things that Jesus says sound really strange. But let’s see if we can figure out what the story is really all about.

(Show the fire extinguisher.)  This is a little reminder that sometimes it is really hard to follow Jesus and do what he wants us to do!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that life would not be easy for Christians, but calls us to stand up for our beliefs. In our worship today let us acknowledge and explore the difficulties of standing as a Christian in today's society.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we find it easier to go with the flow than to stand against other people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the number of people who ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Advent 4, Cycle A, and Advent 1, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

William E. Keeney
49"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her
Elizabeth Achtemeier
This passage is famously known as Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard." It begins with the prophet singing, in what we would describe as troubadour-fashion, a love song about his dod, his friend, the beloved. Everyone is interested in a love affair, of course, and so the song is intended to capture the interest of Isaiah's listeners.
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do? It can knock down the walls of a fortified city so that God can prove a point. What can faith do? It can single out a woman who follows God's lead and protect her from certain death. Today many people are into "reality" television shows where individuals are put to extreme tests. We watch them because we like to see others battle against great odds and come out victorious.

Special Occasion

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