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Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Power Grab -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2011
Judging by events in Washington, the French proverb seems more true than ever: "The more things chan

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Special gifts -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2008
For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure
Actions are important -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2008
He answered, "I will not"; but later he changed his mind and went.
Do as you say -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. Do any of you have invisible friends or playmates?
Think thoughts of Jesus -- Philipians 2:1-13 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
(Editor's note: This is a continuation of the theme used in the second lesson from Proper 20.)
Saying or doing? -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
A girl named Sara told her mother she would clean her room.
Lip service is not enough -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Good morning! In the Gospel reading today, we heard Jesus
It needs power -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Good morning! Can any of you tell me what this is? (Show the
The authority for Christians -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. Today, I brought with me a big book. Does anyone know what is in it?
Knee-bending faith -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you brought a friend today?

Children's Activity

Children's bulletin

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Facing Up to Life -- Psalm 107:1, 33-43, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Sometimes when I hear people speak of their faith and their relationship to God, I get the idea that
By what authority? -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- William H. Shepherd -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
They rang the church doorbell insistently.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

In seminary we read many deep... -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2014
In seminary we read many deep theological books going into great intellectual detail, but Jesus only
That passage sounds familiar... -- Exodus 17:1-17 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2014
That passage sounds familiar.
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2014) -- Exodus 17:1-17, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:28-32 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2014
Exodus 17:1-7
Everybody at school calls Crystal names behind her back... -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2011
Everybody at school calls Crystal names behind her back. Bad names.
We live in a society dominated by the American dream... -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2011
We live in a society dominated by the American dream.
In the late 1700s, many houses consisted of a large room... -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Ron Love -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2011
In the late 1700s, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair.
When Wayne Muller was ordained he invited Henri Nouwen to preach... -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2011
When Wayne Muller was ordained he invited Henri Nouwen to preach his ordination sermon.
In the October 1739 edition of Poor Richard's Almanac... -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Ron Love -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2011
In the October 1739 edition of Poor Richard's Almanac, Benjamin Franklin made this astute obs
We always want more... -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2011
We always want more. Sometimes it is greed: we want more wealth, a bigger house, another car.

The Immediate Word

By What Authority? -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2014
As if the NFL didn’t already have enough on its hands dealing with the uproar over the video clip

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 21 -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Theme: Shining As Lights In The World Call To Worship
Proper 21 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 21 -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Theme: Testing Our Profession Of Faith By Our Deeds Call To Worship
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7 Theme: Are You Here, God?Call To Worship
The Authority of Jesus Questioned -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
PROPER 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
Living Humbly -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.3 readers - adults
God's unbearable majesty -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 99, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:28-32 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: Face imagery permeates this selection.
PROPER 21 -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 99, Matthew 21:28-32, Philippians 2:1-13 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1986
In order to trace the progression of thought through these texts, perhaps we should start outside of
God's loving presence -- Exodus 33:12-23, Philippians 2:1-13 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1986
WorshipPastor:

Sermon

SermonStudio

Complete Joy -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
There was once a man who decided he was dead.
Does God Help Those Who Help Themselves? -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
People can survive longer without food than they can survive without water.
What Do You Think? -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Operation Bootstrap Africa is making a difference.
The Mind Of Christ -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
As we read the writings of the Apostle Paul, we begin to get a sense through the Spirit that we are
Doing Right Because It Is Right -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
In a vast field that stretched as far as the eye could see, a great multitude of people milled about
It's Not Over When The Fat Lady Sings -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Consider this list: a local restaurant under construction, a high school dropout, the cross-stitch I
Keeping In Touch With The Lord -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Walter L. Kimbrough -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1992
God created us to be social beings.

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Doing Right Because It Is Right -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
In a vast field that stretched as far as the eye could see, a great multitude of people milled about

The Immediate Word

Dead Or Alive -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Dear fellow preachers,

The Village Shepherd

Humility -- Or A Lack Of Self-Worth? -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
I recently heard a story about a lorry driver who stopped at a roadside cafe for his tea.

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
The traditions that we find in the Old Testament concerning Israel's wandering in the wilderness aft
Two Sons -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1-7 (C)
Actions Speak Louder Than Words -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
"What do you think?
Two Sons -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1995
When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was
God judges us not based on what we were but what we are -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1-7 (C)
Proper 21 -- Exodus 33:12-23, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:28-32 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Stories

SermonStudio

What Counts In The End? -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1992
There was once a woman who believed very strongly in the sanctity of marriage.

Drama

Devotional

Children's Story

Intercession

Children's Liturgy and Story

Liturgy

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

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Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
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