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Tears -- Revelation 21:3-4 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Can you remember the last time you cried about something?
Be Still -- Psalm 46:11 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: What are some of the noisiest places you can think of?
Learning Obedience -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand the purpose of obeying.
What Do You Do When You Are Lost? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand that they should seek help when they feel the need for such sup
Follow Through -- Luke 14:28-30 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: What would say to someone who always stopped doing something half way through?
Our Senses -- Luke 2:30-31 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Today we are going to talk about the ways God created us so that we could experience the wo
What Does It Mean To Be Independent? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand the nature of freedom as we live with other people.
Beware Of Imitations -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To remind children not to accept imitations as something real.
Yesterday, Today, Forever -- Hebrews 13:8 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Have any of you learned about events that happened a long time ago in history?
Sandwiches -- Matthew 25:18 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: This morning we are going to discuss sandwiches.
Mail -- John 10:2-4 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do you like to get mail?
The Meaning Of Stewardship -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To think about the meaning of stewardship.
The Lesson Of ''O'' -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To remind children that the good life requires the presence of God; and with God, we will l
Living Water -- John 7:37-38 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do you remember those hot days in the summer when you just can't seem to cool off?
It's True! -- John 20:25 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Let me tell you one of my favorite fish stories!
Fun With Seeds -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To remind children about the importance of what they produce each day.
Don't Worry -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children exert some personal effort when faced with a problem.
Sing A New Song -- Psalm 96:1-2 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Today we are really going to have a great time!
Slowly But Surely -- 2 Peter 3:9 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: I thought we would do some painting today.
Why Remember Others -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children think about the contribution of past generations.
The Importance Of Giving Thanks -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children to remember that part of being human means giving thanks.
Is It Possible? -- Phiippians 2:7 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Today I need the help of someone who feels really strong. Let me see your muscles!
Spread The News -- Matthew 28:18-20 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: I want you to try to imagine yourself on a hot day.
Take Time To Smell The Roses -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To stress the importance of taking time to appreciate what God has given to us in his creat
Why Do We Want To Learn? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand the importance of learning new things.

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Devotional

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Not To Us, O LORD ... But To Your Name Give Glory -- Psalm 115 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,
Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / OT 11 -- Romans 5:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.
O God, Do Not Keep Silence -- Psalm 83 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
Easter 4 -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrus
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / OT 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
... Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods....
Have Mercy On Me, O God -- Psalm 51 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
Praise The LORD! Praise The Name Of The LORD -- Psalm 135 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD;
Lent 2 -- John 3:1-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
What is born of the flesh is flesh, what is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / OT 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
The Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against E
Epiphany 8 / OT 8 -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb?
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / OT 24 -- Psalm 114 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Judah became God's sanctuary, Israel his dominion.-- Psalm 114:2
Proper 11 / Pentecost 9 / OT 16 -- Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
Happy Are Those ... -- Psalm 1 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place -- Psalm 84 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
Easter 4 -- John 10:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
... I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."-- John 10:10
Why Do You Boast, O Mighty One? -- Psalm 52 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Why do you boast, O mighty one, of mischief done against the godly? ...
O Give Thanks To The LORD, For He Is Good -- Psalm 136 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
Lent 3 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
... "Is the Lord among us or not?" -- Exodus 17:7
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / OT 24 -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.
Proper 11 / Pentecost 9 / OT 16 -- Romans 8:12-25 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now....
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
...
Why Do The Nations Conspire And The Peoples Plot In Vain? -- Psalm 2 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
"I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill." I will tell of the decree of the LORD:
LORD, You Were Favorable To Your Land -- Psalm 85 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
You forgave the iniquity of your people ... you turned from your hot anger ...
Easter 5 -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Drama

SermonStudio

Doubters All, Part III -- John 14:23-29 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Love Jesus.Summary
TUESDAY -- Matthew 21:12-17 -- C. Alton Robertson -- 1997
TUESDAYTime:MorningPlace: The Temple courtyard
Guilt And Shame -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1997
ThemeThere is plenty to be guilty about. We all are sinners.
Doubters All, Part IV -- John 17:20-26 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Follow Jesus.Summary
WEDNESDAY -- Matthew 21:23--24:2 -- C. Alton Robertson -- 1997
WEDNESDAYTime:EveningPlace:Bethany
Mr. Roberts Meets The Master -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1997
ThemeDo whatever it takes to get close to Jesus.Summary
Baptism -- Robert F. Crowley -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1997
ThemeWhat is the worth of Baptism?Summary
Super Christian IV -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1997
ThemeYour ministry at home is more important than your ministry at church.
Wedding Wine -- John 2:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1997
ThemeWeddings and marriages need Jesus.Summary
The Body -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1997
Theme
Jesus? Where? -- Luke 4:21-32 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1997
Theme Why do we come to church?Summary
A Fish Story -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1997
Theme What is so compelling about the words of Jesus that changes people's lives?
The Rules -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1997
Theme
Cost Analysis -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1997
ThemeJesus asks so much of us, but he gave so much for us.
House On Sand -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1997
Theme Our lives have to be built on the foundation of Jesus.
Temptation -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Robert F. Crowley -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Theme
The Narrow Door -- Luke 13:22-35 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Theme
Unfair -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
ThemeQuit complaining about your life. Repent and trust God.Summary
Documentary: The Wasteful Son -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Theme
Factions -- Luke 20:9-19 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
ThemeChrist is the head of the Church and must be honored and obeyed.
The Tower Of Babel -- Genesis 11:1-9 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1997
Theme
Mary: After The Angel -- Arlys M. Winkler -- 1996
Notes
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room -- Suzanne E. Fisher -- 1996
Speaking PartsLarge Mouse Named Moose Friend Mouse Named Moe
Let's Have A Fruitful Christmas Season -- May Dembowski -- 1996
Running TimeTwenty-five minutes (including one two-minute break)
Watch And Pray -- Joel 2:12-19, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51 -- Neil Ellis Orts -- 1996
1 - WATCH AND PRAY.

Easter

Faith Development

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SermonStudio

Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
True Prosperity/Abundant Life -- Psalm 1 -- 2006
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners
Proper 6/Pentecost 4/Ordinary Time 11 -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
There are several things in the course of a lifetime that have the power to cause us to question our
The Day Of Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- James Evans -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternat
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Stan Purdum -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Ascension Of Our Lord, Cycle B, for an alt
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Discipleship is the journey from "give me" to "make me."
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord / Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Psalm 99 -- James Evans -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
(See The Transfiguration Of Our Lord/Last Sunday After The Epiphany, Cycle A, for an alternative
Advent 3 -- Psalm 126 -- James Evans -- 2006
There is perhaps no greater challenge to the life of faith than suffering.
Proper 21/Pentecost 19/Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Theme For The DayGod's investment advice is to be generous in giving to others.
Eternal Pleasure/Heaven -- Psalm 16:5-11 -- 2006
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 12 -- Psalm 42 and 43 -- James Evans -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
Though numbered separately in almost all texts, Psalms 42 and 43 are actually one psalm.
The Holy Trinity -- Psalm 29 -- Stan Purdum -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary for The Baptism Of Our Lord/Epiphany 1/Ordinary Tim
Lent 3 -- Psalm 95 -- Stan Purdum -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
This psalm has two distinct parts.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Worship is a blessed waste of time.
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
This psalm was likely written for the people of Jerusalem after their return from exile (see vv.
Advent 3 -- Luke 1:47-55 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- 2006
One day, back in the early years of computers, an engineer was asked to demonstrate to a group of re
Proper 22 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Warrior God/Battle Against Evil -- Psalm 21 -- 2006
O Lord, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!
Proper 8 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- James Evans -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
There is nothing quite as unsettling as being lost.
Good Friday -- Psalm 22 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Good Friday - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Good Friday, Cycle A; Lent 2, Cycle B; and Pro
Lent 4 -- Psalm 23 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
(See Easter 4, Cycles A, B, and C, for alternative approaches.)
Sunday Of The Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 19:28-40 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
Theme For The DayJesus paid "a king's ransom" so we might be free from sin.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycles A and B; see
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:47-55 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- 2006
One day, back in the early years of computers, an engineer was asked to demonstrate to a group of re
Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day God wants us to bloom where we're planted.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Jesus Brings New Life -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
The end of World War II and the onset of the Cold War, which saw the super powers of the United Stat
Weed And Feed -- John 15:1-8 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
I think some people are natural-born gardeners.
Bothered And Bewildered -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
Whatever one wants to say about the apostle Paul, we must at least say this: He took Christianity ou
Having A Good Name -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
Proverbs is right: Having a good name is a terribly important thing.
The Missing Piece -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Scott Suskovic -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself
The Final Word -- Luke 23:44-49 -- Robert D. Cornwall -- 2008
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while
Ascension Answers -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ken Lentz -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
Many folks, especially preachers, don't know what to make of Luke's accounts (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:
Destruction Instruction -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Steven Molin -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
Note: As I type these words, I am sitting at a coffee shop just outside the Twin Cities of Mi
Little Lord Jesus -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-20 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
"Take me to your leader" -- it's the famous cliché of bad science-fiction movies.
Jesus Will Lead Us Home -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
The voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his 28 men aboard the Endurance bound for Antarctica,
The Little Golf Club -- John 15:9-17 -- John S. Smylie -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Our Lord's new commandment, to love one another as he has loved us, is easier said than done.
Eyes On The Prize -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
"I believed, and I spoke." Paul begins this passage with a reference to the Septuagint, the Greek tr
Finding The Good Woman In Us All -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
A good woman is a superwoman, or so it appears to me as I read the list of things she can do.
The Fullness Of Time -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Scott Suskovic -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in
Be An Apostle! Proclaim Life! -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Ken Lentz -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Three young lads once rescued a famous politician from drowning.
King Me! -- John 18:33-37 -- Steven Molin -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
Several years ago, and in another congregation, I preached a sermon titled "Chutes and Ladders and t
The Glory Of Flesh And Blood -- Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-14 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
A few springs ago, I installed a small pond in the side yard of our home.
Jesus Rescues Us -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Oskar Schindler, immortalized in Steven Spielberg's 1993 prize-winning film, Schindler's List
The Logical Conclusion -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John S. Smylie -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
For several years, I had the privilege of serving a congregation in upstate New York.
I've Got A Home In That Kingdom -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Nibs Stroupe -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
I've got a home in that kingdom -- ain't that good news.
The Place Beyond Revenge -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
A custom is begun!
It's God's Will? -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Scott Suskovic -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
...
What A Way To Start A Church! -- Acts 2:1-21 -- William J. Carl, III -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
What a way to start a church! It's certainly not the typical format for new church development.
Oh, The Things We Worry About! -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Steven Molin -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
I extend to you and your families a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving.
No More Senseless Journeys -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
Because Jesus was Mary's firstborn, there were four words that she and Joseph did not have to hear a

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

The Peacemaker -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
You have to admire those men and women who serve as peacemakers in trouble spots around the globe.
Praying For A Child -- Psalm 113 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kris Drollinger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
My experience occurred on a Saturday morning in early November, 1988.
The Check Is In The Mail -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
In November of 1998, I received a call from the billing department of a major electronics store.
How Helen Raster Came Back To Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Pastors love to have church members like Helen Raster.
The Faith Of A Child -- Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jane Moschenrose -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
As an eleven-year-old pitcher for the Rockies Little League softball team, Karen was having a great
Chateau Naboth -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Bob and Patty Brower had a dream.
Tipping Etiquette -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
I don't frequent fine restaurants regularly, but occasionally I will visit an establishment that com
I Am Sure That God Is Able -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Linda J. Vogel -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
In 1969 my father was dying (too slowly!) from a malignant brain tumor that changed his personality
The Adoption Paradox -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
Our oldest daughter is adopted.
Famous Last Words -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
You'd think that when famous people die, they ought to leave us some final word, a last word, if you
God Spoke To Me -- Psalm 66:1-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Sister Alice J. Giere -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
My sister, Sister Joan Frances Giere, and I were on a vacation trip with our mother.
In The Midst Of An Attack, A Transformation -- Luke 18:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Connie Hays Coddington -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
The telephone rang in my motel room in El Salvador.
Fruit Is Boring -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
"... Against such things there is no law." Well, perhaps there ought to be.
Hasta La Vista, Baby! -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
The Marines have been in the headlines in recent years, and the publicity has not always been positi
You Don't Depend On People -- Psalm 65 -- John E. Sumwalt, Larry Winebrenner -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Names and places in the following account have been changed to protect the guilty.
Bagging It -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
Bones Mackay thinks he has a cool job.
Flash-in-the-pan Christians -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Back in the good old days of the dotconomy, people were making money hand over fist in what Alan Gre
Dreams -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- John E. Sumwalt, Gail C. Ingle -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Several times in my life I have had precognitive dreams.
The Parthenon Paradox -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
As you read this, the 2004 Summer Olympics held at Athens, Greece, are history.
The Adversity Antidote -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Dr. Charles J.
Feeling God's Peace -- Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Penny Mccanles -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
I have a place I think of when I meditate.
Fat-finger Dialing -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Thanksgiving DayPhilippians 4:4-9Fat-finger Dialing
Cleaning Up After The Bomb -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
On March 27, 2002, at a little after 7 p.m., a young Palestinian male sauntered into the lobby of th
A Narrow Escape -- Isaiah 12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
I was savoring one of those rare winter weekends when I am able to get away, on my own, to our littl
Deep Listening -- Luke 9:28-36 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House, frequently com

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 55:10-13Theme: Full Circle, Full Cycle
Proper 10/Ordinary Time 15 -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:25-37Theme: Question And Answer
Call To Worship -- Isaiah 40:1-8 -- 2006
At a time when Israel, God's people, had been through trauma and horror, God sent Isaiah the prophet
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 18:1--19:42Theme: You Are Here
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:6-19Theme: A Few Of My Favorite Things
First Sunday In Advent -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
First Sunday In AdventFor Psalm 25:1-10
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58Theme: Mystery Solved
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Amos 8:1-12Theme: Bad Pun, Bad News
Call To Worship -- Isaiah 40:12-15 -- 2006
(The next few verses of that same chapter are also an excellent way to begin a service.
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 10:34-43Theme: Thank Heavens I Don't Get No Respect!
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:19-31Theme: Pay Close Attention
First Sunday In Advent -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
First Sunday In AdventFor 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 6:39-49Theme: Demote The Mote
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:15-28Theme: Second Verse, Same As The First
Call To Worship -- Isaiah 40:28-31 -- 2006
(Continuing in that same chapter, verses 28 through 31 are also excellent as a call to worship.)
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26Theme: More To Be Pitied Than Envied
Proper 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Lamentations 1:1-6Theme: The Real 9/11
First Sunday In Advent -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
First Sunday In AdventFor Luke 21:25-36
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Exodus 34:29-35Theme: Too BrightCall To Worship
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:38-42Theme: Not You Two, Again!
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 33:14-16Theme: Empires Come And Go -- God Lasts
Call To Worship -- Psalm 23 -- 2006
(I don't know that you can find better words to open a funeral service than those of the Psalm 23.
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 20:1-18Theme: Ha!
Proper 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 1:1-14Theme: Our Blessed Past, Our Hopeful Future
Time To Clean Up -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
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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 November 2, 2025:
Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.

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