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SermonStudio

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
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
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)
Equally Saved -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
To understand this parable, it is necessary to review the passage before this parable.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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)
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.
Bringing Out The Best -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A wealthy businessman had acquired a Cremona violin, reportedly one of the best violins ever made.
The Prince Of Peace -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Arthur Brisbane, a famous newspaper editor in the days of World War I, wrote philosophically on worl
Those New Cars! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Governor of Michigan was invited as a guest of honor to an automobile factory.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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
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
Swallowed Up In Victory -- 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 -- Charles L. Koester, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a seventeen-year-old boy killed by a drunk driver
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Advent 3 Children's Message Red
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
Jesus Is Still Alive! -- John 20:1-18 -- David T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today we Christians celebrate Easter Sunday.
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
Baby Blues -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Baby Blues
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
It's All About Jesus -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Lavin -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
It's All About Jesus
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Ron Lavin -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism
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

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Faith And Life -- 1999
Dr.
Caring -- 1999
On a recent airline trip I saw the Columbus control tower hold up the takeoff of our 727 stretch for
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
Light -- 1999
On the 4th of July, I noticed during a fireworks display in Urbandale, Iowa, that one star in the he
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Living Parables -- 1999
At our annual staff Christmas party our little Sarah's turn had come to relate her most memorable Ch
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.
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
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
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.
Renewal -- 1999
In Harry DeCarlo's restaurant in Des Moines, I noticed a box of Twix candy bars with the following s
"... But For The Grace Of God" -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
"Don't criticize another until you have walked a mile in his moccasins" is attributed to an old Indi
Lost And Found -- 1999
My outboard motor, which had been stolen, was repurchased in a sting operation by the police and I n

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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
Proper 20 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Theme: Workers For GodCall To Worship
Thanksgiving -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Welcome and AnnouncementsPreludeCall 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
Proper 12 -- Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: On The Mountain With GodCall To Worship
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
A Soldier -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA SoldierThe Opening Speech
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
Proper 20 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 9-20, 32b-38a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Advent Sundays -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Four Advent MonologuesPreface
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
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Theme: Encountering GodCall 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 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
A City Dweller -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA City DwellerOpening Speech
Psalm 15 -- Psalm 15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: The CommissionCall To Worship
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Theme: Is The Lord Among Us Or Not?Call To Worship

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
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

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
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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