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SermonStudio

Kindness -- Dale Carnagie -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dale Carnagie once said, "I shall pass this way but once: any good, therefore, that I can do, or any
A True Substitute -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was once a trombone player who became too ill to march in a parade.
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
We must not water down this text.
Wisdom -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On President Calvin Coolidge's desk these words were displayed:
Being Gracious -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One time, John Wesley, who started the Methodist Church, was calling in the home of a wealthy Englis
First Sunday after Christmas Day -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7--9 (C); Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (E)
The Miracle Worker -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Did you ever see the motion picture The Miracle Worker?
The Way -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A little boy, while walking down the street, met a stranger who asked him, "Can you tell me the way
The Lenten Season -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
The Lenten season may not be the longest season in the church year but it is one of the most importa
There's No Place Like Home -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Home. Home is where the heart is. Home conjures up lots of images for us, doesn't it?
Afraid In A Thunderstorm -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was a mother who, thinking her little girl would be frightened during a thunderstorm, went int
Eternity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
So live that when thy summons comes to joinThe innumerable caravan that moves
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Zechariah 9:9-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
God has promised Abraham that he will be the forebear of many descendants.
With God At Antarctica -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the famous explorer Shackleton reported on his explorations in Antarctica he said, "When I look
Being Like A Persimmon -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the autumn time, a persimmon tree, loaded with its golden purple fruit, is a sight to behold.
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Our reading for this Sunday includes verses 6 to 11, which were part of our stated text for last Sun
The People Had A Mind To Work -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the fires were finally extinguished, near Washington, D.C., at the Pentagon Building, which had
The Woman's Purse -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A woman left her purse in a big city church, so the next day the pastor brought it to her at her own
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John R. Brokhoff -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 50:4--9a (C); Isaiah 50:4--7 (RC)
Do You See The King? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Just to get perspective, Matthew records about fifteen parables in his Gospel.
Kindness -- Emily Dickinson -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Emily Dickinson wrote, "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain: if I can ea
Father's Day And The Trinity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Trinity: three in one,John was a man's son.
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
It may seem rather startling to read in verse 20 of this passage that Isaac is forty years old when
W.W.J.D. -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Have you seen the initials W.W.J.D.

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SermonStudio

What A Deal: Investing In Hope -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
What is the most ludicrous business deal you ever got into (or out of) just in time?
Unity That Transcends -- Luke 22:14-17 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The World Council of Churches and other interdenominational and international church groupings have
He Will Abundantly Pardon -- Isaiah 55:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Perhaps you have taken a vacation with the intention of seeking out some historical or national monu
Who Will Go? -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Ken had not realized there was a shoplifter in the supermarket.
A Breadbasket Full Of Goodies -- John 6:25-35 -- John W. Clarke -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
In this the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus begins to withdraw to the east side of the Sea of
What Was Broken Is Healed -- 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman killed by a drunk driver
Apocalypse Wow! -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
A pastor friend of mine recently attended a ministerial meeting at a Presbyterian church, along with
Goodness -- A Way Of Life -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Traditionally, the letter to the Ephesians was thought to be another one of Paul's New Testament wri
The Inversion Of Ambition -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
In today's text, Jesus teaches the disciples about the power of evil.
Baby Blues -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Baby Blues
Jesus Is Still Alive! -- John 20:1-18 -- David T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today we Christians celebrate Easter Sunday.
It's All About Jesus -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Lavin -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
It's All About Jesus
God's Wisdom Or The World? -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time there was an old man who lived on the outskirts of town.
Final Instructions -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ron Lavin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
Final Instructions
Mediating The Grace Of God -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
God is always mediated to us. God never comes to us directly and immediately. This is a good thing.
An Inclusive Faith -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
In 1948, the World Council of Churches was formed in the war-torn rubble of Amsterdam.
Write To The Heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
A four-year-old girl was at the pediatrician's office for a checkup.
God Is Amazing -- John 1:43-51 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
It goes without saying, but we constantly need to be reminded that we live in an amazing world, yet
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Ron Lavin -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism
Prayer: A Way Of Life -- James 5:13-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Once there was a monastery in the woods that had fallen upon hard times.
Taking The Long View -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
So much seems to press upon us in our daily living that "taking the long view" may not only be remot
Palm/Passion Sunday And Today's Faith -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John T. Ball -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
In the slaughter of World War I, 1914-1918, a whole generation of European men went to their deaths.
Pay Attention To The Context -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2005
A lot of confusion could be eliminated by paying attention to the context of our theological and eth
Dusting Off Our Gratitude -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In the Deep South there is a most unusual monument paying homage to, of all things, the boll weevil.
Transformation To The Light -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time, a diamond was born.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Caring -- 1999
On a recent airline trip I saw the Columbus control tower hold up the takeoff of our 727 stretch for
One Pastor's Story -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1999
Craig Barnes has learned what it is to be a servant. And he knows what it is like to serve.
Recall -- 1999
Five people died in Chicago from taking Tylenol Extra Strength.
Out Of Control? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
What would our world be like, Leon, if every human experienced during his lifetime a profoundly movi
This I Know -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
Some knew him as not being well versed or fluent.
Light -- 1999
On the 4th of July, I noticed during a fireworks display in Urbandale, Iowa, that one star in the he
Guilt -- 1999
There is a scene in the movie The Mission in which Mendoza has killed his brother and Father
Singing -- 1999
Our message as congregations is often garbled.
An Extremely Difficult Adjustment -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Control and supervision of our lives from our children?
Family -- 1999
On a television sitcom, Mrs.
Centering -- 1999
I tried to use my power skillsaw today.
Salvador's Testimony -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
Salvador has a scar on his cheek that runs alongside his eye, from chin to forehead.
Where You Go, I Will Go -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Riley loved her family. She was very close to her parents and sisters and brothers.
Reconciliation -- 1999
The headline in the Contra Costa Times, November 16, 1997, read, "Family of slain Palestinian
Until -- -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
As long as there is one hungry person, Leon, I will not be comfortable when I eat.
Joelito's Legacy -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
The prophet Jonah was commanded by God to go to Nineveh; Joel Fil‡rtiga was inspired to go to Paragu
Living Parables -- 1999
At our annual staff Christmas party our little Sarah's turn had come to relate her most memorable Ch
Heart -- 1999
On the outside of the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City are the words:
Spirit -- 1999
In The San Francisco Chronicle: "Pepper Spray Stuns Oakland Congregation." A sixty-year-old w
The Simple Life -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We originally planned to keep the place simple and easy to maintain, Leon.
Forgiveness -- 1999
After consecrating the elements at Saint John's one day, I made my way toward the balcony with the e
Change -- 1999
There is a town in Iowa named Correctionville.
A Widow's Might -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
Ada's husband had died three years ago.
Close In Heart -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Whenever I think of Katy, I think of God's perfect timing.
Renewal -- 1999
In Harry DeCarlo's restaurant in Des Moines, I noticed a box of Twix candy bars with the following s

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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 4 -- Psalm 46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 25 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Theme: Courage To Declare The GospelCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ -- The Power And Wisdom Of GodCall To Worship
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ Knows No BoundsCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Saving Acts In HistoryCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: The PassoverCall To Worship
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: On The Mountain With GodCall To Worship
Proper 20 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Theme: Workers For GodCall To Worship
A Soldier -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA SoldierThe Opening Speech
Proper 12 -- Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Thanksgiving -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Welcome and AnnouncementsPreludeCall to Worship
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Theme: Called To Be A BlessingCall To Worship
Proper 25 -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Greatest CommandmentCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Theme: Life Under The Reign Of GodCall To Worship
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Coming To Know ChristCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ -- One With UsCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Institution Of The Lord's SupperCall To Worship
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ's GloryCall To Worship
Proper 20 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 9-20, 32b-38a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
A City Dweller -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA City DwellerOpening Speech
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Theme: Encountering GodCall To Worship
Advent Sundays -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Four Advent MonologuesPreface
Proper 5 -- Romans 4:13-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Promises Fulfilled Through FaithCall To Worship
Proper 25 -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Psalm 15 -- Psalm 15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance

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Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
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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
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

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

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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