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Hand Signals -- Matthew 11:28-30 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Let's see if you can read my hand signals this morning. What does this mean? (Wave.
Keep Growing! -- 1 Peter 2:2-3 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Do any of you have baby brothers or sisters at home? Have all of you seen a little baby?
Traffic Signals -- Colossians 4:2 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Look what I've got today. (Display picture.) Do you know what this is?
Figuring The Answers -- Proverbs 3:5-6 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Have you ever used a calculator?
The Right Thing To Do -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
There are many ways to tell if you're growing up. One way is to measure how tall you've gotten.
False Advertising -- Matthew 23:27-28 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
What is a commercial?
Learning To Behave -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Does anyone know what this is? (Hold up hair spray. Children respond.) It's hair spray.
Believing What God Says -- Genesis 6:22 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Have you ever heard someone say, "You can't believe everything you read," or "You can't believe ever
A Light In The Darkness -- Matthew 5:14-16 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Have you ever been someplace that is dark? I mean really dark.
What Hat Do You Wear? -- Proverbs 20:11 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Look what I have this morning: all kinds of hats. What kind of job uses this hat?
A Missing Piece -- 1 Corinthians 12:14 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Do you like puzzles? I have a puzzle for us to work together this morning.
How Much Protection Do You Have? -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Do you know what this stuff is? (Children respond.) It's sunscreen.
Do It To Them, Do It To Me -- Matthew 25:40, 45 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
(Before the service, enlist an adult seated near the front to help you.) This is Mr.
All Tangled Up -- James 4:7 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I need a helper this morning. (Choose one youngster to assist.
Doing What You Were Meant To Do -- Jeremiah 29:11 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I'm not much of an artist, but I'm going to draw you a picture this morning.
A Fresh Start -- Romans 3:23-24 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
If you were trying to draw a picture and messed up, you would want to start over, wouldn't you?
Being Ready -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
A few years ago, my sister and I went to the beach for the weekend.
Big Sin, Little Sin -- Luke 6:37-42 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I need a helper this morning. (Choose a youngster to assist you.) Let's see how tall you are.
Stain Remover -- 1 John 1:9 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Do you know what this is? (Children respond. Offer help if needed.) It's stain remover.
Trouble -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Can you read this word? (Children read from the game.) Trouble.
Don't Forget Jesus -- Luke 2:10-11 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
In my family, we love to decorate for Christmas.
Too Close To The Edge -- Proverbs 4:14-15 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I have a story for you today.
Tug-Of-War -- Ephesians 4:1-3 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I need a few helpers this morning.
Pieces And Parts -- 1 Corinthians 12:14-21 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
(Display pictures one at a time, or if you have enough children, have four of them stand in front an
Discrimination -- Galatians 3:28 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Hmm, let me look you over this morning. Here, you don't have blonde hair, you can have a present.

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Epiphany 5 / OT 5 -- Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / OT 10 -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
...
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / OT 29 -- Psalm 99 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
The Lord is king; let the peoples tremble!-- Psalm 99:1
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day -- Psalm 96 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
... He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.
My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? -- Psalm 22 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? ...
O Give Thanks To The LORD, Call On His Name -- Psalm 105 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Make known his deeds among the peoples ... Seek the LORD and his strength;
Easter 2 -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / OT 21 -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you
Truly God Is Good To The Upright -- Psalm 73 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Psalm 2 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?-- Psalm 2:1
Proper 8 / Pentecost 6 / OT 13 -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
Those Who Trust In The LORD Are Like Mount Zion -- Psalm 125 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Psalm 100 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.-- Psalm 100:1
Happy Are Those Who Consider The Poor -- Psalm 41 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Happy are those who consider the poor;
Epiphany 5 / OT 5 -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
So that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / OT 9 -- Genesis 6:9-22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence.
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / OT 29 -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you.
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all....-- Titus 2:11
The LORD Is My Shepherd -- Psalm 23 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want ...
Praise The LORD, O Give Thanks -- Psalm 106 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or declare all his praise? ...
Easter 2 -- Psalm 16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / OT 21 -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
... Who do people say that the Son of Man is?-- Matthew 16:13
O God, Why Do You Cast Us Off Forever? -- Psalm 74 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O God, why do you cast us off forever? Remember your congregation,
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.-- 2 Peter 1:17
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / OT 14 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
...

Drama

SermonStudio

Number One Mother -- Genesis 2:20-25 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
To Climb A Mountain -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
Theme As the disciples learned, following Jesus is not easy, but it is rewarding.
The Other Side Of The Fence -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Materialism, priorities, greed, shortness of life, treasures in heaven
The Glory Of The Lord -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
ThemeTo God be the glory.Summary
It's Hell, I Say: Herod Speaks -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Be About It -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
Theme
A Handful Of Dandelions -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Mother's Day, motherhood, joy of childrenCharacters: One woman
Fatherhood -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Robert F. Crowley -- 1998
ThemePeople get their idea of God from their relationship with their fathers.
Poolside Blessing: Monologue of a Paralytic -- John 5:2-16 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
You And The Law -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
Theme
How Do You Spell Stress? -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Tranquillity, serenity, marriage, work, children, bills, troubles
House On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-27 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
Theme
I Am Zacchaeus -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Robin Hood? -- Matthew 5:21-24, 27-30, 33-37 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
Theme
Behind My Back -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Reputation, ethics, lying, truth, testimony, deacons, leadership, services, giving, business
Super Christian I -- Matthew 9:9-13 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
Theme
Reuben: I'm not a Sandwich -- Genesis 37:19-34 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
The Tooth Fairy -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
Theme
Punctuation -- Acts 3:6-8 -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Message: Have you ever noticed that you can often tell what a person is going to say by the tone of
McChurch -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Food for spiritual health, growth, church, church attendance, Bible doctrine
The Elevator -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
Theme
Boaz: I Am Blessed! -- Ruth 3:1-5 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Servant And Two Masters -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1998
ThemeWe make a choice whom we will serve -- God or the world.Summary
The Mask -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Sincerity, truthfulness, lying, deceit, ethics, slander
The Bible Study -- Matthew 10:24-33 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
Theme

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

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Humor

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Inspirational

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SermonStudio

PROPER 25 -- Zephaniah 3:1-9, Psalm 3, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIPGlorify God with me, and let us exalt God's name together.
EASTER SUNDAY -- Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:14-24, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- B. David Hostetter -- Easter Day - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIPThis is the day of the Lord's victory. Let us celebrate and be happy.
PROPER 26 -- Haggai 2:1-9, Psalm 65:1-8, Luke 19:1-10 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 5.27-32, Psalm 2, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- B. David Hostetter -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
THE DAY OF PENTECOST -- Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 104:24-34, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- B. David Hostetter -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 9:1-20, Psalm 30:4-12, Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-14 -- B. David Hostetter -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP(Responsively)Sing a psalm to our God, all loyal servants.
PROPER 27 -- Zechariah 7:1-10, Psalm 9:11-20, Luke 20:27-38 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 13:15-16, 26-33, Psalm 23, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP(RESPONSIVELY)Come into God's presence with singing.
PROPER 28 -- Malachi 4:1-6, Psalm 82, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 14:8-18, Psalm 145:13b-21, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP(Responsively)God is great and greatly to be praised.
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Psalm 67, Revelation 21:10, 22-27, John 14:23-29 -- B. David Hostetter -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20, John 17:20-26 -- B. David Hostetter -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP(Responsively)Sing praises to God,SING PRAISES!
CHRIST THE KING -- 2 Samuel 5:1-3, Psalm 95, Colossians 1:11-20, John 12:9-19 -- B. David Hostetter -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

SermonStudio

Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; for an alternative approach to vv.
Atonement/Forgiveness/Scapegoat -- Leviticus 16:9-10, 15-16, 20-22 -- 2006
Aaron shall bring the goat ... to the Lord and sacrifice it for a sin offering.
Proper 10/Pentecost 8/Ordinary Time 15 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2006
(See Ash Wednesday, Cycle A, and Lent 5, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)
Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 46 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2006
Categorized as both a "song of Zion" and "a psalm of confidence," Psalm 46 celebrates God's choice t
Endurance And Perseverance -- Revelation 2:1-11 -- 2006
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
Christ The King/Proper 29 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- James Evans -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
(See Advent 2, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 27/Pentecost 25/Ordinary Time 32 -- Psalm 127 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2006
It is not possible in a single sermon -- or even a psalm -- to answer the question, "What is the mea
Proper 22/Pentecost 20/Ordinary Time 27 -- Psalm 19 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2006
Psalm 19 celebrates two different media through which God is revealed: nature and the law.
The Water Of This Life Changed Into The Wine Of The Next -- John 2:1-11 -- 2006
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee.
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The superscription to this psalm identifies its origins with David's prayer after the prophet Nathan
Epiphany 5/Ordinary Time 5 -- Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Stan Purdum -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2006
(For an alternative approach to vv. 12-20, see Christmas 2, Cycle A.)
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see also Epiphany, Cycle B, for an alternative app
For A Christian Parent -- Deuteronomy 6:4-9 -- 2006
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Proper 11/Pentecost 9/Ordinary Time 16 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2006
(See Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2, Cycle B. For an alternative approach to vv.
Proper 5 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Psalm 33:1-12 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2006
Psalm 33 praises the God in whom the righteous trust.
Tribulation Leads To Joy/The Rewards Of Faithfulness -- Revelation 7:13-17 -- 2006
Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes -- who are they, and where did they come f
Thanksgiving Day -- Psalm 100 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
This brief psalm is among the most familiar in the psalter, but that is primarily because its verses
Proper 28/Pentecost 26/Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2006
Hannah's song is probably best-known and most frequently associated in the liturgy as an accompanyin
Proper 11 / Ordinary Time 16 -- Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2006
(See Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2, Cycle B, and Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9, Cycle B, for
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:22-40 -- 2006
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one b
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day When Jesus calls, the only thing to do is follow.
Lent 1 -- Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
(See Proper 21/Pentecost 19/Ordinary Time 26, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Ironies, Contrasts, Paradoxes, And Reversals -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
Saint Luke's narrative of the Christmas story has been read and heard and cherished this season in m
Hope Lifted Up -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Ken Lentz -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
It was a mystery.
The Great Inescapable Question Of Eternity -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
Who do you say I am? -- Mark 8:29
Interceding For Us Now -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
Heads bowed, hands clasped, the words are spoken softly and gently.
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.
The Unbelievable Truth -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Nancy Kraft -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
I remember my first experience with death.
Finding Our Roots In God And Country -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
It's a scary thing to go back and explore your roots.
Just Say The Word -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Robert J. Elder -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
Up until the modern era, with the advent of two-way radios, when generals needed to communicate with
The Last Compact -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ken Lentz -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
A man, seriously ill in the hospital, requested a visit from his pastor.
The Way Up Is Down! -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the
Admitting The Real Truth -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
It does seem a bit unfair, putting me in the same category as Hitler, Stalin, or some of our more re
The Serpent -- John 3:14-21 -- John S. Smylie -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Growing up in the northeast, I didn't have a lot of exposure to snakes.
Nocturnal Christians? -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Nancy Kraft -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
When I was in college, they used to show movies in a lecture hall that was tiered at a deep angle do
Dancing In Holy Places -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2008
Dancing in holy places -- that's the theme of this text.
Grand Opening -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2008
Carefully the plans are laid.
Who Is Isaiah's Servant? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Ken Lentz -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
A man had three small children, all three old enough to enjoy the activities of Halloween.
Right-Handed Sinners! -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.-- Mark 9:44
Wiping Away The Tears -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Patrick J. Rooney -- All Saints Day - B -- 2008
It is one line. A few words cast upon a sea of words.
Thanks For The Memories! -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Ken Lentz -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2008
The dark of the night began to turn to the gray of morning.
This Gospel Is For Our Children -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to suc
The Eternal Sanctuary -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2008
It happens week after week, sometimes day after day.
We Wish To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus" (v. 21).
Becoming Like Jesus -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Nancy Kraft -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Lately, I've been thinking that I'd rather not be referred to as a Christian.
Finding The Right House For God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
Have you ever noticed how some families move a lot?
I Went Down To The River To Pray -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Robert J. Elder -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2008
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgive

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Discerning God's Direction -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Jane Moschenrose
Forgiving Enough -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how ofte
A Cup Of Coffee -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Tom Kadel
I Will Not Forget You -- Matthew 6:34 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
J. Michael Mansfield
Walk The Walk -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
"What do you think?
Is God Listening? -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Barbara Frank
Metacosmic Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
...
Who's Pressing On? -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that
A Choice To Make -- Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 119 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Susan Monnarjahn
Still Learning Not To Wobble -- Psalm 32 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
God does not die on the day when we cease to believe in a personal deity, but we die on the day when
Rejoice? -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." (v. 4)
Charlie Is Glowing -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
Deb Alexander
Born Again -- John 3:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Kathy Raines
Poor God! -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to Go
God Created Death? -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
John Sumwalt
Water Sign -- John 4:5-42 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Anne Sunday
Pranky, Cranky Heart -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
He said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
Christmas Presence -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Janice Hammerquist
The Gift Of Myself -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Jim Eaton
Lessons In Humility -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
The greatest among you will be your servant.
Warnings -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Vickie Eckoldt
The Wandering Eye -- Romans 8:6-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Paul Calkin
The Perfect Opportunity -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (v. 13)
A Dog Came For Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
Neighbors and people from the church had come by in the weeks and months after Margaret had died, bu
Forsaken? -- Psalm 22 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
Judith B. Brain

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 13:31-35Theme: Just So You're Sure
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12Theme: Real Churches Get Heat
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Fourth Sunday In AdventFor Hebrews 10:5-10
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 55:1-9Theme: For God Will Abundantly Pardon
Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:49-56Theme: The Real Weather Channel
Responsive Reading -- Isaiah 58:8-11 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly;
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11Theme: I See It Now
Proper 5/Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24)Theme: Your Word Is Truth
Thanksgiving Day -- John 6:25-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 6:25-35Theme: Real Bread -- Real Good
Christmas Eve -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14Theme: It Will Happen Again
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 16:9-15Theme: A Dream For Salvation
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 19:1-10Theme: What's It Worth To Ya?
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Fourth Sunday In AdventFor Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
Third Sunday In Lent -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13Theme: There's Always A Way Out
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10Theme: Too Many Excuses
Responsive Reading -- Isaiah 53:3-5 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity;
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- John 2:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11Theme: Mother Knows Best
Proper 5/Ordinary Time 10 -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 1:11-24Theme: Major League Turn Around
A Service For Mother's Day -- John 1:1, John 1:14, John 13:34-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2006
Call To Worship (based on John 1:1; John 1:14; John 13:34-35)
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)Theme: Once More, With Feeling
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5Theme: Game Over
Proper 27/Ordinary Time 32 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Haggai 1:15b--2:9Theme: You Ain't See Nothin' Yet!
Christmas Eve -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas EveFor Isaiah 9:2-7
Third Sunday In Lent -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:1-9Theme: Towers Fall, God Endures
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 12:18-29Theme: This Is Doable!

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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Easter 4
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34 – Commentary / Exegesis
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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