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SermonStudio

Entrance -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Bill Collins had a small, but thriving, general store in a city.
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Isaiah 44:6-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Jacob is on a journey from Hebron to Haran, Abraham's original home in northern Mesopotamia.
What Happened To Noah's Ark? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There has been a lot of speculation for some time. Read on ...
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
In our Old Testament lesson last Sunday, we heard God promise to Abraham that he would be the forbea
For Thoughtful Worship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On the dossal cloth behind the central altar of the New Haven United Methodist Church in Indiana, ar
Cooties -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The college professor in an astronomy class liked to use objects we all know to illustrate his lesso
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28, Matthew 7:21-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:9--22; 7:24; 8:14--19 (C)
A Drink Of Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr. E.
Excuses, Excuses -- Luke 14:15-24 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Perhaps before attending this banquet, Jesus should have read his Emily Post.
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
This story follows immediately on Elijah's victory over Jezebel's prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel,
Watching Servants -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
First Sunday in Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Promises are so important!
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 8 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
This is one of those texts that remains almost totally incomprehensible to the congregation when it
Weather Signs -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
In many respects religious faith has become a rather casual affair in our society.
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Second Sunday in Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
If we read the Old Testament in tandem with the New Testament, we sometimes have to employ a double
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
This story forms part of the Elisha cycle that is found in 2 Kings 2-13, and that is interspersed wi
Places Of Honor -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
This serves as the stated text for Epiphany in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Third Sunday in Advent -- Zephaniah 2:14-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Can we believe that God is carrying on a war against all sinners?

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

What's New? -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ron Lavin -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
"What's new?" is a common greeting.
The Kin Of Qoheleth -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Today's Gospel Reading is from Mark, but I want to begin in the Old Testament.
Jesus Destroys The Power Of Sin -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
A story is told about how Leonardo da Vinci created one of his great masterpieces, Last Supper
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Ron Lavin -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins
The Acceptable Time -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
When Paul arrived at the city of Corinth, Greece, the middle of the first century A.D., he knew he h
Where Is Love? -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Several years ago, a fellow named Lionel Bart wrote a hit song, "Where Is Love," for the Broadway mu
Living Out The Promise Of This Child -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2005
Living Out The Promise Of This Child
The Passion Of The Servant Leader -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Ron Lavin -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
The Passion Of The Servant Leader
Giving Of Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Have you ever wondered if growing up poor could somehow imbue you with deeper character?
Accepting The Unconventional In Life -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time there was a great teacher, a guru, who had many followers.
Salvation In Jesus' Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- Ron Lavin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Salvation In Jesus' Name
Are You A Taker Or A Giver? -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
It was quite a picture -- on the front of the New York Times magazine.
Dots On A Screen -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Several years have now passed since the television series Survivor first debuted to become a
Secret Revealed -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
At last it happens!
Experiencing God -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Experiencing God
Signs -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
In 2002, there was a popular Mel Gibson movie called Signs.
Where Are You From? -- John 18:1--19:42 -- David T. Ball -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
Whenever we travel, we come into contact with new people.
A Clock Or A Compass? -- Mark 1:9-15 -- David T. Ball -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Do you all have your compasses with you? What? You don't have compasses?
Yesterday, Today, And Forever -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Ron Lavin -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient.
The Paradoxical Power Of Weakness -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
There are people who speak to us more powerfully out of their weakness than out of their strength.
Practicing God's Presence -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
In the early years of the sixteenth century, a young adventurer named Nicolas Herman left his parent
Our Ultimate Destination -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
On U.S.
Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Here's a fact about life: things change.
Why God Has No Grandchildren -- John 8:31-36 -- Stan Purdum -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Children of pastors have their share of strange experiences.
Unacceptable -- Mark 8:31-38 -- David T. Ball -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Going off to college can be an unsettling experience for Christian students.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Luther -- 1999
Today is Saint Martin's Day (Nov.
Joseph, Our Brother -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Joseph Bernardin was the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Chicago.
A Die Hard? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Why are there people turned off by religion, Leon?
History -- 1999
According to the Minnesota Star newspaper, they train the Metro Transit Authority bus drivers
Suffering -- 1999
When flying into Stapleton Airport this morning, we took a very bad jolt.
Sharing And Caring -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Henry hated Arnold.
Future -- 1999
The church sexton got the paper roll which plays the carillon bells in the church tower in the playe
Resurrection -- 1999
Sam Donaldson on the ABC news told of Yellowstone Park, which burned last summer.
Friendship Erosion -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Soil erosion is a condition with which many of us are familiar, but another kind of erosion is not a
Memories -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Don sat at the edge of his chair and looked right past me. "I can't hear much anymore.
Christian Life -- 1999
In the movie Back to the Future a young man goes back in time thirty years and sees his paren
Materialism -- 1999
On the CBS news with Dan Rather, Bill Moyers said regarding the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Peac
Receiving The News -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
I was sitting with my husband in a doctor's sterile office when I learned I was to become a mother f
Slow Learner -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
"Will you ever learn?" says one's spouse as one again engages in non-productive behavior.
Holy -- 1999
There were two places in Amsterdam where there were big crowds but it was hushed: In the Van Gogh mu
Thanksgiving -- 1999
Tom Brokaw, on the Thanksgiving evening news, said, "When we sing the dirges, we must also sing the
Time -- 1999
The National Technical Information Service announced in 1997 that the average U.S.
Made In The Image Of God -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
Darla had always suffered from bouts of depression and low self-esteem.
Gandhi -- 1999
Some memorable scenes from the great movie Gandhi:
Resurrection And Death -- 1999
Atlanta's Dion James hit a ball in Shea Stadium which hit and killed a dove on the fly.
Focus On Behavior -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
When it comes to people that I know, I must confess that I have my likes and dislikes.
Forgiven And Encouraged -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Lee and JoAnn had foster children in their homes for years.
Christmas -- 1999
A favorite story at Saint John's, Des Moines, is about the Christmas Eve that Pastor Louis Valbracht
Maturity -- 1999
In the television sitcom Cheers, his girlfriend says to Sam Malone, who tries to keep everyon
God's Presence In The Millennium -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
The speaker was funny, interesting, engaging, and very knowledgeable.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: Rejoice In Your RedemptionCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: A Call To Prayer, Fasting, And RepentanceCall To Worship
Proper 5 -- Psalm 33:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance Jesus said: "Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away."
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: Reconciliation With GodCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Be Hospitable To GodCall To Worship
An Angel Tidings -- Luke 2:8-14 -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
(Angel enters, humming or whistling "Angels We Have Heard On High." Stops center and begins to pu
Proper 26 -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: Practice What You PreachCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Power Of God To OvercomeCall To Worship
Proper 21 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Theme: DiscipleshipCall To Worship
Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: ForgivenessCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: Spiritual Blessings In ChristCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Life Of RighteousnessCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Romans 5:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Hope Does Not DisappointCall To Worship
Youth Sunday -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Introduction
Proper 26 -- Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- John 17:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Eternal Life Is To Know GodCall To Worship
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Ten CommandmentsCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 112 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Crucifixion Of JesusCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Theme: JealousyCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: The Word Became FleshCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 6 -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Proclaim The Good NewsCall To Worship
Our Wounds Are Healed -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)

Worship Service

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
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
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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