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The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
Prior to the adoption of the new lectionary and somewhat revised church year, the Lutheran Church fo
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Psalm 98 gave this Sunday its name, Cantate: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellou
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) -- George M. Bass -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1990
Sunday provides the theological clue within the cycle and season of Pentecost.
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1990
The Sundays after Christmas (there may be one or two some years) allow the church time to reflect on
The Holy Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- George M. Bass -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
Trinity Sunday had given its name to the entire second half of the church year; that changed almost
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
Historically, most of the liturgical churches celebrate the First Sunday in Lent as Invocabit, as th
The Day of Pentecost -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27 -- George M. Bass -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Just when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the event known as Pentecost, occurred is a matter of d
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Wake up and watch is the biblical/liturgical theme for this First Sunday of Advent.
The Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1990
The liturgical and theological function of the festival of Epiphany is to manifest the full glory of
Proper 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1990
In 1991 , this will be the pivotal Sunday in the Pentecost cycle/season; thirteen Sundays precede it
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- George M. Bass -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
Something of a minor liturgical controversy surrounds the celebration of the Ascension of our Lord.
The Easter Cycle -- George M. Bass -- 1989
This cycle is made up of two seasons, Lent and Easter, which together form exactly one-quarter of th
Proper 8 -- Genesis 32:22-32, Matthew 10:34-42 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- George M. Bass -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Salt and Light -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1989
On this Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, we begin the series of parables in Leationary Cycle A with
Proper 14 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:22-33 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Sunday of the Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- George M. Bass -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
The Faithful and Unfaithful -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1989
In the twelfth century Cistercian Abbey of Boquen in Brittany there is a madonna called by the monks
Proper 25 -- Ruth 2:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 12 -- Exodus 3:13-20, Romans 8:26-30, Matthew 13:44-52 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Seed and Soil -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1989
"O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord." (Jeremiah 22:29) These words of Jeremiah were ch
Proper 26 -- Ruth 4:7-17, Matthew 23:1-12 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Proper 15 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Romans 11:13-16, 29-32, Matthew 15:21-28 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Treasure and Trash -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1989
According to Jesus, there is nothing more precious than the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- Leviticus 1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 5:38-48 -- George M. Bass -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

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Queen Of Hearts! -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
Sociologists have defined her. Psychologists have analyzed her. Pollsters have surveyed her.
Templates And Story-Sermons -- J. Will Ormond, Lucy A. Rose -- 1999
The buttonholer on my sewing machine uses templates.
Deductive And Inductive Sermons -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
The processes of deduction and induction are mirror opposites.
The Agenda Factor -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- William L. Self -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Architecture and power are Siamese twins joined at the hip.
Jesus And The Challenge Of The Bread Business -- Luke 4:3-4 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1999
The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." And Jesus
A Grave Reality -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Glenn E. Ludwig -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1999
The widow of Nain, the Gospel story just read: Can you picture the scene?
On The Matter Of Love -- John 15:9-17 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
The presence of God is the difference between joy and happiness.
Once And For All -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- John A. Stroman -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
We approach this first Sunday of Lent with mixed feelings.
Mirror, Mirror On The Wall...! -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Do you remember the fairy tale "Snow White"?
The Need Of Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
From the beginning, it seemed, Ludovicio Gadda was destined for greatness.
Going Through The Waters -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
I suppose when we hear this passage about the parting of the Reed Sea, many of us cannot help but re
Fishing With A Harmonica -- Matthew 4:18-20 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an elderly outdoorsman and church memberLawrence H. Craig
The Journey To Freedom Begins -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Mohandas Gandhi, the famous Indian freedom fighter and certainly one of the most influential persona
A Time To Build Another Story On A Stone House -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
There was much excitement in the summer of '64 at Tell Makor in Israel.
It's Never Too Late -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
The term "late-bloomers" refers to people who respond later in life to an invitation, but still mana
Essential Personnel! -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this t
The Word Of The Lord Came To The Prophet Haggai -- Haggai 1:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
There is something about seeing a zero creep up on the odometer, whether it's in your car, the world
One Last Reminder -- 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
One cannot read the gospels without being impressed with the way that Jesus dealt with the surprises
The Rain Of Bread -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
There is nothing like heading out into the back country, carrying on your back everything you need t
Jesus Called To He -- Luke 13:12 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an active church member who had a long struggle with cancerT. A. Kantonen
Our Need To Talk With The Son -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
Three sisters lived in the forest.
A Time To Come Along, Bravely -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
The waiting room is adequate but nothing fancy; magazines dog-eared and out of date, a few toys for
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
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
While This House Lies In Ruins -- Haggai 1:2-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
Hymnologists say the first hymn in a hymnal tells a lot about the rest of the book.

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Christmas Eve Day -- Psalm 96 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1991
O sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
45. We had a certified public accountant who believed the offering was God's tax on his people.
Proper 5 -- Psalm 113 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1991
Praise the Lord!Praise, O servants of the Lord;praise the name of the Lord.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
30. Communion calls us to our potential.
Easter 2 -- Psalm 2 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
Why do the nations conspire,and the peoples plot in vain?
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
46.
Proper 6 -- Psalm 42 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1991
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you,O God.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
34.
Easter 3 -- Psalm 30:4-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,and give thanks to his holy name.
The events surrounding the last hours of Jesus' life. -- John 18:1-19:42, John 19:17-30 -- Good Friday - B -- 1990
Again, use an order of worship different from your usual order.Suggestion:
The disciples' failure to understand what Jesus was teaching, and their fear about checking it out -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Eastertide, the Season of the Resurrection -- 1990
Christianity focuses on, and revolves around, Easter Day (No such term as Easter Sunday exists.) Chr
Jesus' rebuttal to the disciples -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Jesus' resurrection -- John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, John 20:1-9 -- Easter Day - B -- 1990
1.
Jesus deals with the question of divorce -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
The risen Christ confronts a doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Jesus' confrontation with the rich young man and the disciples over riches -- Mark 10:17-30 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
The Appearance of the Risen Christ, and the Disciples initial disbelief -- Luke 24:35-49 -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
Jesus' confrontation with James and John about sharing power -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by choice -- John 10:11-18 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationTry this:
Jesus' healing of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor did this:
God the vinedresser; Jesus the vine; we the branches -- John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationOne pastor began this way:
The Great Commandment: Love God, and others as you love yourself. -- Mark 12:28-37 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
Friendship with God -- John 15:9-17 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider these ideas:
Birth of the World's Savior - Include the themes of crucifixion, resurrection, Pentecost -- Luke 2:1-20 -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1990
Suggestion: Use the following themes to identify each section of the order of worship:

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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.

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