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SermonStudio

About Fishing -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Sitting still and fishing makes no person great;
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONS
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
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.
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Revelation 7:9--17 (C); Revelation 7:2--4, 9--12 (RC)
Another Mystery Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A night watchman heard that his boss was going away on a long trip.
Is Punctuation Important? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
What did Shakespeare say?"Woman, without her man, is nothing!"
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
Study -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
The preacher who would work without a net, like all preachers, will need to pay attention to the act
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.
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
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
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,
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)
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
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.
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
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)
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
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?
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)
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
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
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Picking up where we ended our reading last week, we continue this morning with Acts' account of Pete
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

More Time -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Who can speak of "justice" in any long-standing and helpful way?
Easter Sunday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
The six Sundays in Lent have been a precursor for the coming of Easter.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
A Vision Of Heaven -- Isaiah, Psalm 23 -- David A. Davis, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young person who suffered a cruel disease
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
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
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
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.
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.
Wounded In Our Thoughts -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, James 3:1-12 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesBad tapes (bad programs)Poor self-image
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
A Father's Heart Cry -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Steven and LaDonna had been married nearly ten years before they were finally able to conceive a muc
A Life In Rhyme -- Romans 8:1-4, 26-27 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful womanA Life In Rhyme
Combat Fatigue And Christmas -- James 5:7-9 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Be patient, my brothers, until the Lord comes.
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.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Alert -- 1999
The Dow Chemical Company in Pittsburg, California, had a leak of chlorine gas when a gasket broke in
Penance -- 1999
In Bavaria the Christians observe in November a day called Bustag (a day of penance).
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.
Inhumanity -- 1999
In the television special Wallenberg, a Lutheran Swede and member of a wealthy family in Swed
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.
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
Rules -- 1999
At a wedding reception at the Marriott Hotel in Des Moines, still dressed in clerical black, I stepp
Vulnerable -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The small boy had hit his head sharply on the corner of a table and he fought back the tears.
Diversity -- 1999
The Indonesian national motto is "Binneka Tuggal Ika," which means "Unity in Diversity." This
Angels -- 1999
On an Air Wisconsin flight from Appleton, Wisconsin, I noticed they chain the tail down on a Dash 7
Pentecost -- 1999
That first Pentecost must have been something else! 3000 baptized.
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.
Jealousy -- 1999
I saw the Shakespeare play Othello again.
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?"
God's People -- 1999
We walked five miles from ToToTa, Liberia, to a little bush village.
Sacrifice -- 1999
Marvin Kalb on NBC interviewed an old man who had the grazing rights for his cows on the land where
So Thankful -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I looked over at her sitting on the car seat beside me.
Easter -- 1999
There is a small church called Saint Peter in the Parish of Saint Andrew about one half hour from Ki
Baptism -- 1999
Former Bishop Blevins announced at the funeral of his 24-year-old son who had committed suicide: "To
Potential -- 1999
Mark Twain tells the story of the Calaveras County jumping frog.
"Pin-Pricking" -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A serious discussion was under way in one of the university's key administrative-faculty committees.
God Noticed Their Hearts -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1999
The vote to have a new church pictorial directory made was approved. Everyone was excited.
Jerusalem -- 1999
All Bataks of Sumatra can tell you their Bona Pinesa (village of origin).

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 7 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 1:3-14)
The Mercy Of God -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Sign Of The Covenant -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
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 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 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 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 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 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."
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 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!
Proper 27 | OT 32 Worship Resources -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17Theme: Happy Ending
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 43:18-19)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
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John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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