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Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Psalm 98 gave this Sunday its name, Cantate: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellou
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1990
In those congregations where the contemporary hymn of praise, "This is the feast of victory for our
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
Prior to the adoption of the new lectionary and somewhat revised church year, the Lutheran Church fo
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
The cycle/season of Pentecost is the time in the church during which God consolidates in the faithfu
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
More than any other Sunday in Lent, the fifth Sunday has lost its theological and liturgical identit
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
The very subtle change of the preposition of for after (as evidenced in the title of this Sunday as
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) -- George M. Bass -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1990
Sunday provides the theological clue within the cycle and season of Pentecost.
Second Sunday after the Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1990
In the "old" lectionary, the Sundays of Epiphany continued the manifestation theme mostly with the m
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1990
Since it is now over three months since the church celebrated Easter, the memories of the joy and gl
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
The Second Sunday of Advent could be called "Preparation Sunday." It points to, first of all, the se
Third Sunday after the Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1990
Those who look at the lectionaries for the remainder of Epiphany will notice that the semi-continuou
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
The Sunday received its title - Reminiscere - from verse 5 of the Twenty-fifth Psalm, "Remember, O L
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1990
The weekly rhythm of the church year should be clearly perceived by the preacher by this time of the
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Mark 9:2-9 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
The Sunday received its title - Reminiscere - from verse 5 of the Twenty-fifth Psalm, "Remember, O L
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- George M. Bass -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
In the ancient liturgy, this Sunday was known as Oculi - "Eyes" or "Vision" Sunday - from the fourte
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
The Second Sunday of Advent could be called "Preparation Sunday." It points to, first of all, the se
Christ the King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- George M. Bass -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
In the homiletical studies for the Lectionary Preaching Workbook III, Cycle A, it was pointed out th
Second Sunday after the Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1990
In the "old" lectionary, the Sundays of Epiphany continued the manifestation theme mostly with the m
Third Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- George M. Bass -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
"New Age" Sunday might be one name that could be given to this Third Sunday of Advent.
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1990
In those congregations where the contemporary hymn of praise, "This is the feast of victory for our
Corpus Christi -- Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- George M. Bass -- 1990
Corpus Christi is a festival that few, if any, Protestants celebrate.
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
The cycle/season of Pentecost is the time in the church during which God consolidates in the faithfu
Proper 25 -- Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28, Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Psalm 126 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1990
In the older liturgies and lectionaries, three themes - sinfulness, godliness, and loving service -
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- George M. Bass -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
It was suggested in the Lectionary Preaching Workbook III, Cycle A, that the Third Sunday of Easter
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Usually by this Sunday in the northern hemisphere, the church finds itself approaching mid-summer, w

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Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory! -- John 11:32-44 -- Steven E. Albertin -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
A Voice Against The Wind -- Mark 6:45-52 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
Although this sermon was preached in the Columbia Chapel as late as July, 1993, it had been deli
Kindness In Action: Evangelism -- Acts 8:26-40 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Let's play Sherlock Holmes for a bit and see what deductions we can make about the characters in thi
Academics, Fanatics, And Other Disciples -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
I must confess that I am not much of a fisherman.
Decisions, Decisions -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Think of how many decisions you make in a day:
Making The Worst Of A Bad Situation -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Her father was an alcoholic. Her mother worked most all the time. She had little choice.
Working Out In The Gymnasium Of Faith -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Good athletes make it all seem so easy: precision, coordination, grace, and strength.
A Soldier Gives His Win -- Matthew 27:45-54, Mark 15:33-39 -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 1999
My name is Saint Longinus.
Having the Last Word -- John 18:33-37 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
Some have called it "The Worship Wars," In the past the church has always been involved in its share
Isn't Once Enough? -- John 21:15-19 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was prepared for and preached to a seminary congregation in the chapel of Columbia S
Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire -- Acts 10:44-48 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Charles Wesley began one of the Methodist Church's favorite hymns with this line: "Come Holy Ghost,
A New Kind Of Teaching -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
Teachers and teaching have been with us since the world began.
Held In His Arms -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for collec
Curbs On Cornfields -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
In the early part of this century, Henry Ford and his brother-in-law Howell Graves visited Muscle Sh
Christian Optimism -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
While waiting at an airport, years ago, I saw a couple in their thirties bring an older woman to her
The Thief Who Gave Nothing -- Luke 23:32-43, John 19:16-18 -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 1999
We've never met, you and I.
No Freudian Slip! -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
It's late afternoon but it is still several hours before supper is served. You are hungry.
When The Wine Fails -- John 2:1-11 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This homily was prepared for and preached at the wedding in Norfolk, Virginia, of Kathryn Johnso
On Not Being First -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
We Americans have long had a love affair with winners.
The Need For A Community Of Healing -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
A friend of mine finally came home from the hospital. He came home alive.
Arc Of The Covenant -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Paul W. Kummer -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
James Gilmour was a missionary to Mongolia and was asked to treat some wounded soldiers.
Gifts Without Grasping! -- 1 Samuel 17:57--18:5, 10-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
I don't know about you, but I hate the guys who minimize and criticize the guys whose enterprise has
Postmarked In Heaven -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Some time ago a friend called me in the middle of a very busy day.
Three Loaves At Midnight -- Luke 11:1-13 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was prepared for and preached at a chapel service at Columbia Seminary at which the L
The Sadness Of God -- Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel tells a haunting story from the concentration camps.

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John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. Father God, may this time and place gladden the hearts of all who gather for worship.
Christmas -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
Dark Solo One: Magi,Dark Solo Two: magi,Dark Solo Three: magi
Lent 1 -- Psalm 91:9-16 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
Because you have made the Lord your refuge,the Most High your dwelling place,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
110. Advent is awesome time, but how does one prepare for an event that has already happened?
Proper 17 -- Psalm 15 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1991
O Lord, who may abide in your tent?who may dwell on your holy hill?
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
90.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
60. Visualize the shape of the cup and bread.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
20. This event does not call us to perfection, for perfection is one gift God has not given us.
The Crucifixion -- Matthew 26-27 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
From The Viewpoint Of The Apostle PeterAll: Then saith Jesus unto them,
Lent 2 -- Psalm 127 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
Unless the Lord builds the house,those who build it labor in vain.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
31. God of life, free us to be who we are.
Proper 18 -- Psalm 94:12-22 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1991
Happy are those whom you discipline, O Lord,and whom you teach out of your law,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
21. God of peace and joy, call us to thanksgiving. Help us to break out of indifference.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
60. Remind us Lord, that this cup is a symbol of our commitment to doing the will of God.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
21. This is a time to think about life and why you are here.
Mother's Day -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
A Scripture Chorus For Fathers And Children
Lent 3 -- Psalm 103:1-13 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. The offering plate is a story.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. Lord of life, as we break this bread, remind us of the commitment which follows the breaking.
Proper 20 -- Psalm 107:1-9 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1991
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;for his steadfast love endures forever.
Advent 1 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.O my God, in you I trust;
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
50. Birds were born to sing.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
23. Father, we are aware that our lives are blessed beyond our ability to repay.
Father's Day -- Judges 13:8 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
All Dark: Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father,
Lent 4 -- Psalm 34:1-8 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1991
I will bless the Lord at all times;his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
14 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 1
30 – Sermons
90+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For November 30, 2025:
  • Time Change by Chris Keating. The First Sunday of Advent invites God’s people to tell time differently. While the secular Christmas machine keeps rolling, the church is called to a time of waiting and remaining alert.
  • Second Thoughts: What Time Is It by Tom Willadsen based on Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
According to Martin Luther our thanksgiving is brought about only by justification by grace:

But bringing of tithes denotes that we are wholly given to the service of the neighbor through love…  This, however, does not happen unless, being first justified by faith. (Luther’s Works, Vol.9, p.255)

The Reformer also wants us to be happy, what with all the generous gifts we have been given.  He wrote:
Wayne Brouwer
A schoolteacher asked her students to make a list of the things for which they were thankful. Right at the top of Chad’s list was the word “glasses.” Some children resent having to wear glasses, but evidently not Chad! She asked him about it. Why was he thankful that he wore glasses?

“Well,” he said, “my glasses keep the boys from hitting me and the girls from kissing me.”

The philosopher Eric Hoffer says, “The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings!” That’s true, isn’t it?
William H. Shepherd
Christianity is, among other things, an intellectual quest. The curriculum to know God truly. The lesson plans interact creatively with other aspects of faith: worship is vain if not grounded in truth, while service is misguided if based on faulty premises. While faith certainly cannot be reduced to knowledge, it cannot be divorced from it, either.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (v. 6)

We just received word about the passing of our friend, Rosmarie Trapp. We had lost touch with her in recent years, so I was shocked when I stumbled onto her obituary in The New York Times from May 18, 2022.
David E. Leininger
John Jamison
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Reason for the Season" by David Leininger
"Time's Up" by John Jamison


What's Up This Week

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John Jamison
Object: The activity for this message is the Be Thank You! game.

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The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Rosemary was 33 years old. She'd been married to James for four years and they had two children, Sam who was two and the baby, Elizabeth, who was just three weeks old. Apart from the baby blues and extreme fatigue, both of which got her down a bit when James was at work, Rosemary was happy. They had recently moved to the London suburbs and James commuted each day by train.

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
This brief psalm is among the most familiar in the psalter, but that is primarily because its verses have been excerpted in so many hymns and liturgical texts. There is something to be gained from looking at Psalm 100 in its entirety, and trying to recover its ancient liturgical context.

James Evans
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (v. 6). What better way could there be for us to begin the Advent season than by focusing our prayers on peace? The word, shalom, translated "peace," means much more than the mere absence of conflict. And of course, it is not only Jerusalem that is in need of peace; the whole world needs the shalom that the psalmist dreams about. So perhaps we should expand the breadth of this prayer, and deepen it with our awareness of the various meanings of the Hebrew idea of peace.

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E)
Tony S. Everett
A popular skit at church camps involves about a dozen folks lined up side-by-side, looking anxious and frustrated facing the audience. Each person rests a left elbow on the right shoulder of their neighbor. Then, from left to right, each member asks, "Is it time yet?" When the question arrives at the end of the line, the last person looks at his/her wristwatch and responds, "No." This reply is passed, one-by-one each with bored sighs, back to the first questioner. After a few moments, the same question is passed down the line (left elbows remaining on the right shoulders).
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Just a few days before writing this message, I conducted a memorial service for a 60-year-old man who was the picture of health until three months before his death. He was active, vibrant, only recently retired, and looking forward to years of good life with his wife and family and friends. Nonetheless, pancreatic cancer had done its work, and quickly, and he was gone. It was the general consensus that it was too soon for his life to end; he was too young to die.
John W. Clarke
In this the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus begins to withdraw to the east side of the Sea of Galilee. He has fed the 5,000, and he has walked on water. The press of the crowds had become all consuming and he needs some solitude to prepare himself for what lay ahead. Considering that the crowds that followed him more than likely knew of the feeding of the 5,000, and some may even have heard of the miraculous walking on water, it is difficult to explain why in these verses, they would doubt anything he had to say -- but they do.
Robert R. Kopp
My favorite eighth grader just confessed his aspiration for becoming President of the United States.

When I foolishly asked the inspiration of his lofty goal, he replied, "Bill Clinton." Then my hormone-raging adolescent proceeded to list perceived presidential perks that have nothing to do with God or country.

My prayer list has been altered.

And my attitude about prayer in public schools has changed too.

I used to be against prayer in public schools.
John E. Berger
Thanksgiving, according to one newspaper columnist, has kept its original meaning better than any other holiday. That original meaning, he wrote, was family reunions around large dinner tables.

In contrast, Christmas has changed into Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Easter has come to emphasize new spring clothes and the Easter bunny. Even our national holidays -- Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day -- have become cook-outs and summer travel get-aways.
Mark Ellingson
Thanksgiving: How do we say thanks authentically and not lapse into the platitudes so often associated with this holiday? There are several dangers associated with the holiday. Ever since it was instituted as a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln, and even before when various state governors instituted it in their states, Thanksgiving has not been a strictly Christian holiday. There has been a lot of nationalism and self-congratulations associated with this day. What is the distinctively Christian way to give thanks to God for all the good things that we have?

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