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The Song of the People of God -- George M. Bass -- 1984
The Church of San Clemente, located about 300 yards from the Coliseum in Rome, is a graphic symbol o
Weddings -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
The union of a man and a woman in the bonds of matrimony is the most sacred special occasion in whic
Funerals -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
The value placed on a human life varies between cultures, but one consistent factor is the fear and
Dedications and Installations -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
In considering dedication and installation services, there are several misconceptions that need to b
Baptismal Services -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
The Christian rite (sacrament, in some denominations) of baptism was not a completely new and unrela
Communion -- Jerald J. Daffe -- 1977
From its inception to the present, Communion has been a vital part of the worship and practice of th
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Seasonal Theme
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Seasonal Theme
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Seasonal Theme
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Seasonal Theme
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Seasonal Theme
Corpus Christi -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Theme For The DayThe real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and its meaning for us.
Proper 20, Pentecost 18, Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Seasonal Theme
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
The Baptism Of Our LordFirst Sunday After The Epiphany
Proper 19, Pentecost 17, Ordinary Time 24 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 18, Pentecost 16, Ordinary Time 23 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sacrament

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You May Have To Die First -- John 1:29-42 -- William B. Kincaid, III -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead.
Moving At The Speed Of Light: In Corinth Or Cana? -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
It is hard to know what more can be said about marriage. Weddings are stressors.
The Anatomy Of A Journey -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
Terah, the father of Abraham, gathered up all his family and possessions and set out to go from Chal
Reducing Life To A Single Word -- John 4:7-11, 16-19 -- Robert A. Stanley -- 1998
"We love because he first loved us." Search where you will in the Bible, you will not find a simpler
The Stealth Disciple -- John 3:1-17 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
In the "Science & Technology," section of a recent issue of Business Week magazine, there was an
The Promise Containing All Promises -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25 -- R. Glen Miles -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
"The Lord himself will give you a sign" is the way Isaiah begins his recitation of the promise conta
What About Us Grils? -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... wise men from the East came...
The Second Naivete: Babies, Angels, Shepherds, And God -- Philippians 2:8 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1998
You would have liked him as did thousands, perhaps millions.
Is It Real Or Is It Memorex? -- Matthew 13:24-30 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... When the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well...
Moving At The Speed Of Light: Nazareth: Family Ties -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
When I was a child and my mother started thinking out loud about "going home," she meant driving to
Is Anything Too Wonderful For The Lord? -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
Abraham was an old man and his wife Sarah was almost as old as he was.
Water, Water, Everywhere -- John 4:5-42 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Reading the Gospel lesson this week a snatch of poetry I learned somewhere along the way kept runnin
This Little Light Of Mine Is Yours And Everybody Else's Too -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- R. Glen Miles -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1998
"Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." When the disciple of
18-Inch Gap -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
...
Moving At The Speed Of Light: Jerusalem: What Word Would You Say? -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing," asserts Paul in First Corinthians.
Does God Bother About Our Troubles? -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
Did you ever find jewels in a wilderness?
Blind Driveways -- John 9:1-41 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
King George VI, addressing his subjects at the beginning of a new year, said in his annual message:
Whispered Preaching -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- R. Glen Miles -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
I delivered my very first sermon at the age of sixteen.
The Heroism Of Going On -- 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... After he too had died, they maltreated and tortured the fourth brother...
Moving At The Speed Of Light: Athens: Unknown Apostles -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Frank Luchsinger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
How many people are helpful to us in a given stretch of time?
Getting A Fix On The Future -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- Leonard W. Mann -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
Abraham was an experienced listener. Perhaps once or twice he had listened too well.
Upon Those In The Tombs Bestowing Life -- John 11:1-45 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
In the Orthodox Church, Easter worship includes the singing of a hymn that goes:
The Church Of The Servant -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- R. Glen Miles -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
Have you ever sighed at the end of a work day and wondered, "Did I accomplish anything today?" Mayb
Maalox Moments -- John 14:23-29 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... do not let your hearts be troubled...
Moving At The Speed Of Light: On The Mountain -- Peter 1:16-21 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
Peter went to the mountain with Jesus.

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Passion Sunday -- Psalm 31:9-16, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1986
The texts selected for the observance of Lent 6 as Passion Sunday each year obviously emphasize the
Peace in God's Kingdom -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14 -- Heth H. Corl -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
The joy of salvation -- Isaiah 62:6-7, 10-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:8-20, Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Heth H. Corl -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1986
First Lesson: Isaiah 62:6-7, 10-12 Theme: The joy of salvation
LENT 6 -- Psalm 118:19-29, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 21:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- 1986
As we become increasingly aware of the oppressive political situation in which the Jesus of history
God's call to be holy -- Exodus 19:1-9 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:All creation belongs to God, and all people.People:
Christ's unique superiority -- Hebrews 1:1-12, John 1:1-14 -- Heth H. Corl -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Jesus' grace and Adam's sin -- Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 10:24-33 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
MAUNDY THURSDAY -- Psalm 89:20-21, 24, 26, Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15 -- Norman A. Beck -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1986
What an interesting selection of texts we have for Maundy Thursday in Series A!
ADVENT 1 -- Psalm 122 -- Norman A. Beck -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
Among the four texts chosen for this occasion in Series A of the lectionary we are using, perhaps Ps
We are sinners by our own choice -- Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17, 25-3:7, Romans 5:12-19 -- Heth H. Corl -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Unto us a child is born -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14 -- Heth H. Corl -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:Rejoice! For God's light has come to dispel our darkness!
Struggling with past sin -- Genesis 32:22-32 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 10 -- Psalm 69:6-15, Exodus 2:11-22, Isaiah 55:10-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1986
These seven texts are dominated by the theme of the good news of God's deliverance of those who are
The glory, majesty, and power of God -- Exodus 19:16-24, Romans 13:1-10 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
ADVENT 2 -- Psalm 72:1-8 -- Norman A. Beck -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
This psalm is a prayer to God in behalf of an Israelite king and even more in behalf of the people o
PROPER 11 -- Psalm 103:1-13, Exodus 3:1-12, Exodus 3:1-12, Romans 8:18-25 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1986
An important connecting link between most of these texts is the emphasis on the qualities or attribu
ADVENT 3 -- Psalm 146:5-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
This psalm sharply contrasts the inadequacy of all human rulers with the total adequacy of the Lord
Fellowship of believers -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Heth H. Corl -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Divine providence -- Exodus 1:6-14, 22-2:10 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 12 -- Psalm 105:1-11, Exodus 3:13-20, Romans 8:26-30, Matthew 13:44-52 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1986
"Wisdom from God" is the major unifying motif in all of these texts except the Common selections Psa
Rules for the redeemed -- Exodus 20:1-20 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
ADVENT 4 -- Psalm 24, Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Norman A. Beck -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
Many of us will recall use of this psalm in opening worship services for Sunday School or call to wo
The righteousness God requires -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Christ's resurrection is for all people -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4 -- Heth H. Corl -- Easter Day - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 13 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 8:31-39, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1986
The proclamation of God's free, abundant, loving grace is the dominant theme of all of these texts.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
14 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Advent 1
30 – Sermons
90+ – 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 Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
There was an incident some years ago, when an elderly lady in some village parish in England was so fed up with the sound of the church bells ringing, that she took an axe and hacked her way through the oak door of the church. Once inside, she sliced through the bell ropes, rendering the bells permanently silent. The media loved it. There were articles in all the papers and the culprit appeared on television. The Church was less enthusiastic - and took her to court.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
(See The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle A, and The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

This psalm is a prayer for the king, and it asks God to extend divine rule over earth through the anointed one who sits on the throne. Although the inscription says the psalm is about Solomon, that is a scribal addition. More likely, this was a general prayer used for more than one of the Davidic kings, and it shows the common belief that the monarch would be the instrument through which God acted.

Mark Wm. Radecke
In her Pulitzer Prize winning book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, author Annie Dillard recalls this chilling remembrance:
Paul E. Robinson
There is so much uncertainty in life that most of us look hard and long for as many "sure things" as we can find. A fisherman goes back again and again to that hole that always produces fish and leaves on his line that special lure that always does the trick. The fishing hole and the lure are sure things.
John N. Brittain
If you don't know that Christmas is a couple of weeks away, you must be living underground. And you must have no contact with any children. And you cannot have been to a mall, Wal-Mart, Walgreen's, or any other chain store since three weeks before Halloween. Christmas, probably more than any other day in the contemporary American calendar, is one of those days where impact really stretches the envelope of time not just -- like some great tragedy -- after the fact, but also in anticipation.
Tony S. Everett
One hot summer day, a young pastor decided to change the oil in his automobile for the very first time in his life. He had purchased five quarts of oil, a filter wrench, and a bucket in which to drain the used oil. He carefully and gently drove the car onto the shiny, yellow ramps and eased his way underneath his vehicle.

Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
We've gathered here today on the second Sunday of Advent to continue to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord. This task of preparing for the arrival of the Lord is not as easy as we might think it is. As in other areas of life, we find ourselves having to unlearn some things in order to see what the scriptures teach us about God's act in Jesus. We've let the culture around us snatch away much of the meaning of the birth of the Savior. We have to reclaim that meaning if we really want to be ready for what God is still doing in the miracle of Christmas.
Timothy J. Smith
As we make our way through Advent inching closer to Christmas, our days are consumed with many tasks. Our "to do" list grows each day. At times we are often out of breath and wondering if we will complete everything on our list before Christmas Day. We gather on this Second Sunday in Advent to spiritually prepare for what God has done and continues to do in our lives and in our world. We have been too busy with all our activities and tasks so that we are in danger of missing out on the miracle of Christmas.
Frank Luchsinger
For his sixth grade year his family moved to the new community. They made careful preparations for the husky, freckle-faced redhead to fit in smoothly. They had meetings with teachers and principal, and practiced the route to the very school doors he would enter on the first day. "Right here will be lists of the classes with the teachers' names and students. Come to these doors and find your name on a list and go to that class."
R. Glen Miles
The text we have heard today is pleasant, maybe even reassuring. I wonder, though, how many of us will give it any significance once we leave the sanctuary? Do the words of Isaiah have any real meaning for us, or are they just far away thoughts from a time that no longer has any relevance for us today?
Susan R. Andrews
When our children were small, a nice church lady named Chris made them a child--friendly creche. All the actors in this stable drama are soft and squishy and durable - perfect to touch and rearrange - or toss across the living room in a fit of toddler frenzy. The Joseph character has always been my favorite because he looks a little wild - red yarn spiking out from his head, giving him an odd look of energy. In fact, I have renamed this character John the Baptist and in my mind substituted one of the innocuous shepherds for the more staid and solid Joseph. Why this invention?
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Wild animals flourish around us,
C: and prowl within us.
P: Injustice and inequity surround us,
C: and hide within us.
P: Vanity and pride divide us,
C: and fester within us.

A time for silent reflection

P: O God, may your love free us,
C: and may your Spirit live in us. Amen.

Prayer Of The Day

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The world and the church approach the "Mass of Christ" with a different pace, and "atmospheres" that are worlds apart. Out in the "highways and byways" tinsel and "sparkly" are everywhere, in the churches the color of the paraments and stoles is a somber violet, or in some places, blue. Through the stores and on the airwaves carols and pop tunes are up-beat, aimed at getting the spirits festive, and the pocketbooks and wallets are open.
David Kalas
In the United States just now, we're in the period between the election and the inauguration of the president. In our system, by the time they are inaugurated, our leaders are fairly familiar faces. Months of primaries and campaigning, debates and speeches, and conventions and commercials, all contribute to a fairly high degree of familiarity. We may wonder what kind of president someone will be, but we have certainly heard many promises, and we have had plenty of opportunities to get to know the candidate.
(A)
During my growing up years we had no family automobile. My father walked to work and home again. During World War II his routine at the local milk plant was somewhat irregular. As children we tried to guess when he would come. If we were wrong, we didn't worry. He always came.
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
What difference does my life make for others around me? That question is addressed in three related ways in our texts for today. Isaiah raised the emblem of the Servant of Yahweh as representative for what life is supposed to be, even in the middle of a chaotic and cruel world. Paul mirrors that reflection as he announces the fulfillment of Isaiah's vision in the coming of Jesus and the expansion of its redemptive effects beyond the Jewish community to the Gentile world as well.

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I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (v. 11)

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