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SermonStudio

About Fishing -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Sitting still and fishing makes no person great;
How Did You Play The Game? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the last great Scorer comesTo write against your name;
The Four Levels Of Life -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
1.The level of instinct.2.The level of duty.
That Special Day -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
As a man was leaving for his office on a wintry day, his wife hinted, "Tomorrow is a special day, yo
Channel One -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Not being a television electronic designer, I do not know why all television sets begin with Channel
Any Last Words? -- Mark 15:34, 39, Luke 23:46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Famous last words. You can tell a lot about a person by his last words.
Nativity -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Jeff Wedge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
By specifying this text on the first Sunday after Christmas -- that day so often called "low Sunday,
Study -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
The preacher who would work without a net, like all preachers, will need to pay attention to the act
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 32:1-14 (C)
It's Shortening -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man who was not tall and muscular asked a friend what he could do to make himself taller and more
Romans 8:28 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
If there was ever a time when this Bible verse had tremendous significance, it has been during the t
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 49:1--7 (C, E); Isaiah 49:3, 5--6 (RC)
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Three important religious festivals are prescribed for Israel in the Old Testament -- Tabernacles i
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- John R. Brokhoff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC)
When Henry Ford Gave A Dime -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Years ago Martha Berry, founder of the Berry Schools in the mountains of Georgia, visited Henry Ford
A Real Pain -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A pastor asked a friend if he would be willing to substitute in the pulpit of his church on a certai
How To Handle Criticism -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Gary Moore, an early television personality, used to tell how he handled a letter of false criticism
The Good Neighbor -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Have you ever had a time in your life when you were totally helpless? It may happen suddenly.
The Cuckoo Clock -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man stayed out so late one night that when he quietly came into the bedroom, the cuckoo clock stru
Christmas Eve From Outer Space -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The astronauts on Apollo VIII were exploring outer space around the moon, but they were men w
A Real Death For A Real Atonement -- John 19 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Which is more important, the death of Jesus, or the resurrection of Jesus?
A Man Born Blind -- John 9:1-41 -- Jeff Wedge -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Numbers 6:22-27 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A -- 2004
I cry at weddings.
She Said Yes -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
I wonder when Mary realized what she had gotten into by saying yes.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Dancing Through Life -- Ecclesiastes 3:4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a native of Scotland who loved dancing
Easter Sunday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
The six Sundays in Lent have been a precursor for the coming of Easter.
The Two Prodigals -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
The relationship between and among siblings is a study both intriguing and challenging.
Boasting And Praying For You -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Recently, I was asked to give a prayer at the area chamber of commerce meeting, with these instructi
Mother Teresa And The Messianic Life -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
"On that day," promised wild Isaiah, "on that day when things are finally set right, the wolf sha
Pins, Patterns, Peace -- John 16:22 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an 81-year-old woman whose strong faith guided her decision to refuse dialysis
Preparing The Way -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Preparing the way can become an all-consuming endeavor.
Faithquakes -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
A woman who went through her first earthquake in California said, as it was happening, "I think a tr
When Nothing More Can Be Done -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Colleen was a good woman with a bad heart.
A Life Of Service To Others -- Matthew 25:31-46, Daniel 12:1-3 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a very giving personA Life Of Service To Others
Good Friday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
The climax for examining the areas of our lives where we may be wounded individually as well as corp
Holy Extravagance -- John 12:1-8 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
In our spiritual voyages, surprises -- sometimes outlandishly -- come to us.
Do Not Be Quickly Shaken -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Several years ago, Lyle Schaller made the observation that ministry, once a "high status, low stress
John The Baptist And Jewel Cave -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Prepare ye the
A Vision Of Heaven -- Isaiah, Psalm 23 -- David A. Davis, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young person who suffered a cruel disease
An Invitation To Joy -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Stan Freberg has written a musical farce parodying the commercialization of the Advent season, appro
Gratitude -- A State Of Mind -- Luke 17:11-19 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Today's Gospel Reading reminds us once again that Jesus' journey has a destination.
A "Somebody Done Somebody Wrong" Song -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
A House Even Better Than "Buurma-Built" -- Romans 8:28, 31, 36, 37-39 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful man
A Life In Rhyme -- Romans 8:1-4, 26-27 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful womanA Life In Rhyme
Wounded In Our Thoughts -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, James 3:1-12 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesBad tapes (bad programs)Poor self-image
History Hangs In The Balance -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
One would be hard pressed to find a historical event with so many ramifications equal to these words
Weary In Well Doing -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
What makes people weary is conflict.
Combat Fatigue And Christmas -- James 5:7-9 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Be patient, my brothers, until the Lord comes.
The Eternal God Is Thy Refuge -- Hebrews 12:12-13, Deuteronomy, Psalm 23, Psalm 84 -- David A. Davis, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who had endured much pain

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Insights -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The classes never did turn out as I would have liked.
Penance -- 1999
In Bavaria the Christians observe in November a day called Bustag (a day of penance).
Inhumanity -- 1999
In the television special Wallenberg, a Lutheran Swede and member of a wealthy family in Swed
Diversity -- 1999
The Indonesian national motto is "Binneka Tuggal Ika," which means "Unity in Diversity." This
God's Love -- 1999
While I was greeting people at the door as guest preacher for the day, a woman came up behind me, pu
Angels -- 1999
On an Air Wisconsin flight from Appleton, Wisconsin, I noticed they chain the tail down on a Dash 7
Rules -- 1999
At a wedding reception at the Marriott Hotel in Des Moines, still dressed in clerical black, I stepp
Bureaucratic Prisons -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Writers such as Kenneth Boulding have stated that the real revolution of modern times is the organiz
The Invitation To Join -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Pao felt disconnected. Like he didn't belong. Like he didn't have a purpose.
Vulnerable -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The small boy had hit his head sharply on the corner of a table and he fought back the tears.
Pentecost -- 1999
That first Pentecost must have been something else! 3000 baptized.
A Beautiful Creation -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Constance Berg -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
All he saw was a dark, formless blob. A blob that he knew would one day come alive with character.
Jealousy -- 1999
I saw the Shakespeare play Othello again.
Easter -- 1999
There is a small church called Saint Peter in the Parish of Saint Andrew about one half hour from Ki
God's People -- 1999
We walked five miles from ToToTa, Liberia, to a little bush village.
Baptism -- 1999
Former Bishop Blevins announced at the funeral of his 24-year-old son who had committed suicide: "To
Sacrifice -- 1999
Marvin Kalb on NBC interviewed an old man who had the grazing rights for his cows on the land where
Meanness -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
New owners acquire a private social service facility.
Joined Together -- John 6:56-69 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1999
I was nervous. I was asked just a few hours ago to fill in at the nursing home and lead worship.
So Thankful -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I looked over at her sitting on the car seat beside me.
Potential -- 1999
Mark Twain tells the story of the Calaveras County jumping frog.
The Message Of The Cross -- John 18:33-37 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
"Can you make a banner for the church?"
Jerusalem -- 1999
All Bataks of Sumatra can tell you their Bona Pinesa (village of origin).
Emmanuel -- 1999
On an episode of the formerly popular television sitcom Night Court, Mac, the black court bai
God's Power -- 1999
Not everyone enjoys Monday night football as much as I do.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Lord Provides -- Joel 2:21-27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on John 3:3-17)
Proper 7 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 1:3-14)
Proper 8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 2:11-22)
Sealing The Covenant -- Exodus 24:3-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Suffering Servant -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: He was despised and rejected by others.
The Giants Who Would Enslave Us -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord rules the world with righteousness;
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipWomen: It is not long before the journey ends.
Proper 25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 16)One: Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
The Promise Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 1:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Lord's Love For His People -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Loss Of A Friend -- 1 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord.
Maundy Thursday -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2002
A First Century Communion Litany
Proper 26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Revelation 1:8)
He Will Wipe Away The Tears -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
God's Forgiveness -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord says, "Do not cling to events of the past."
The Voice Of The People -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: We thank you, Lord, with all our hearts,
Palm Sunday -- Frank Ramirez -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29)
Proper 4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on 2 Corinthians 6:8-13)
God Promises David His Kingdom Shall Be Forever -- 2 Samuel 1:1-11, 16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: God's promises are sure.
Obedience to God -- The Way To New Life -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Sing praise to the Lord, all his faithful people!
Not The Outward Appearance, But The Heart Is What Matters -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Pentecost Sunday -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipOne: Who is like God?All: No one is like God.
Proper 22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 34:1-8)
The Good News Of Deliverance -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: I waited patiently for the Lord.

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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