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SermonStudio

Do We Have To Like Going To Church? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: While there are "parts" of going to church that are not meant to be enjoyed, we s
Cheer Up, Things Could Be Worse -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Could you persevere through serious persecutions?
Proper 6 -- Psalm 92:1-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1993
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
So, What? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: What is the reason for the cross and what does the cross do for us?
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1993
The light of God's glory has appeared.
Lent 2 -- Psalm 105:1-11 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.
The Church Should Mind Its Own Business! -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: What constitutes the appropriate concerns for the church?
What Made Jesus Cry? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: A sermon encouraging us to be more sensitive to others.
Aaron's Instant Bull -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: No one relishes being blamed for or taking responsibility for sin.
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
This is the first of two selections from the book of Ruth. The
Easter -- Psalm 118:14-24 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.
What On Earth Is God Doing? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Every pastor must preach on the question that, sooner or later, every Christian m
Some Exciting Thoughts On Sin -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: What is sin and how does forgiveness work?
Proper 7 -- Psalm 107:1-3 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1993
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Wrong ... For All The Right Reasons -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: Occasionally, we are wrong, even when we believe we are right.
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1993
The universe was created by God out of chaos and darkness
Lent 3 -- Psalm 19:7-14 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
Religion From A Safe Distance -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: A sermon attacking our efforts at trying to be a Christian with minimum effort.
Advice Your Attorney Won't Give You -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: A much-ignored mandate given by Jesus, "going the second mile," needs serious con
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1993
With the guidance of Naomi, Ruth gets Boaz as a husband. She
Easter 2 -- Psalm 133 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
I Hope Our New Earth Gets Done On Time -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: It is the Christian pastor's obligation to preach periodically on ecology and the
So You Think You Can't Swallow A Camel? -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: It is all about priorities: first things first.
Proper 8 -- Psalm 30 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1993
I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up,
Cain's And Einstein's Theory Of Relativity -- Terry Cain -- 1993
Purpose Statement: To show there are spiritual laws of the universe that are just as real as the phy

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Not Persistence, But Shamelessness -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Thomas A. Renquist -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
Midnight is not the best time to go knocking on your neighbor's door for a cup of sugar, is it?
If You're Going To Get There, You've Got To Leave Here -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Cokie Roberts, Chief Congressional Analyst for ABC News and a national correspondent for National Pu
The Sacrament Of The Altar: Eat And Drink Forgiveness -- Zechariah 9:9-11 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Sacrament Of The Altar -- The Benefits And Power Of The Lord's Supper
Fulfilled, Or Just Full? -- John 6:24-31 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2000
William H.
Beyond Our Sight, Within Our Hearing -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- William G. Carter -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
I wonder what they were thinking as they started up the mountain.
The Second Article: Jesus Christ Redeemed Me -- Deuteronomy 15:12-15, Hebrews 9:11-15, Luke 2:25-38 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Apostles' Creed -- The Second Article
Meaning Of The Magi -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Don M. Aycock -- 2000
Some Christians in the world finished celebrating Christmas in January.
Ceremony 2 -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
The Prologue
Life's Not Always Fair: But God Will Straighten It Out! -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Mark Ellingson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
Those of us who are old enough and socially concerned enough recall the 1960s with fondness.
What If What They Say Is True? -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- John W. Wurster -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
Whether through the complicated process of socialization or good manners or simple maturity, somehow
Exposed! -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
Today is the end of the season of Epiphany, which began the first Sunday in January.
Pure Prayer -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Robert R. Kopp -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
My favorite eighth grader just confessed his aspiration for becoming President of the United States.
The First Commandment: Eyes On Jesus -- Deuteronomy 11:26-32, Colossians 1:15-20 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The First Commandment
You Shall Receive Power -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Luke gives a telling account of Jesus' instructions to the apostles before his ascension into heaven
From Hoarding To Giving -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Thomas A. Renquist -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness.
The Hands That Hold Hope -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
"Personal" is the operative word.
The Sacrament Of The Altar: The Worthy Dinner Guest -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Sacrament Of The Altar -- The Salutary Use Of The Lord's Supper
The Savior Life Diet -- John 6:48-59 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2000
"The two biggest sellers in any bookstore are the cookbooks and the diet books.
All Is Calm, All Is Bright -- Luke 2:1-20 -- William G. Carter -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
What a time for an angel to forget his lines!
The Second Article: Lost And Condemned -- 2 Samuel 7:18-24, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 24:13-27 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Apostles' Creed -- The Second Article
The Word Is Near You -- Romans 10: 5-13 -- Don M. Aycock -- 2000
Hear this ancient Japanese parable.
For Older Couple, Who Have Been Married Previously -- Derl G. Keefer, Cheryl Rohret -- 2000
The Prologue
Living Free -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Mark Ellingson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Why are things not better in America?
There Couldn't Be, Could There? -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- John W. Wurster -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Jeremiah tells us that there was a time and a place when God was upset, when the heavens were shocke
Having To Stay When You Want Out -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Christmas Eve/DayHaving To Stay When You Want OutTitus 2:11-14

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SermonStudio

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:18-22, Psalm 103:1-13, 22 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPBless God from your innermost heart and hallow God's name,
Number 93 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Labor Day
Number 1 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: People were changed when they came into the presence of Jesus.
Number 76 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Presidents' Day
ASCENSION DAY -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- B. David Hostetter -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIP and INVOCATIONLet us worship God.Let us pray
Number 44 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Ah, yes!
Number 46 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: It's the dawn.People: The dawn of a new day.
The Sun Has Risen, Behold -- The Risen Son! -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Sabbath had ended. The sun shone brightly. Bursts of color
Living In Response To God's Gifts -- James 1:17-27 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 10 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: We have come together, as the Body of Christ, to worship.
Number 15 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Come!People: Come?
Saint Benedict The Rule Of Saint Benedict -- Thomas A. Renquist -- 1993
Reader 1: You are driving along Interstate 94, just west of St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Children Of God -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use as an anthem.3 readers -- a trio of young womenKey:
NINTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Deuteronomy 5:12-15, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 81:1-10 -- B. David Hostetter -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPWorship the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who
Number 94 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Women's Sunday
Number 95 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Thanksgiving Sunday
Number 24 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: "I waited."People: "I waited patiently."
Number 77 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Palm SundayPastor: This is the week!People: The week of all weeks!
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
Number 45 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: No solution! Sometimes there just seems to be no solution -- no way out.
Number 47 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: How shall we come to worship this morning: Like Sarah, cackling with laughter when God's rep
Lazarus' Personal Confession -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
"I've Tasted Life, I've Tasted Death" My name is Lazarus.
The Rich And The Poor -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 11 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Some days we come to worship like the proverbial general who jumped on his horse and rode of
Number 16 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Imagine it!People: Imagine what?

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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 Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:

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.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Henry didn't like Jack.

Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.

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.

CSSPlus

Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12 days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."

Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and
Today we are going to be like the wise men from the East who looked for baby Jesus. They were told the wonderful story about a promised Messiah who would save the world. He was the "king of the Jews" and would be king of all people. They traveled a great distance. They wanted to see the baby. They had to see the baby! So they left and ended up in Jerusalem. There they asked about the promised king.

The man who was king became very jealous. Even though they were looking for a spiritual king -- a king of our hearts, minds,
Teachers or Parents: Have an Epiphany pageant to close off the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas with the children of your church. Have people stationed in various parts of the home or church building where you might go to ask the question, "Are you the Messiah?" They will, of course, say, "No." The first group might add, "Look for the star." Involve as many children as possible. Let them ask the question. Let them get into the role of wise men from the East. Help them relive the story and see that Jesus is more than king of the Jews or king of

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