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SermonStudio

Before Preaching From The Lectionary -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
What Is A Lectionary?
America Is Great, If -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Alexis de Tocqueville, the French historian, after an exhausting study, once said:
Lightning Bugs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some Boy Scouts were camping in a rather swampy area.
Raising Lazarus -- John 11:1-45 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
He's Alive -- Acts 1:3 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
"He is risen!
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Numbers 6:22-27 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A -- 2004
I cry at weddings.
A Mystery Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man worked in a factory where they made all kinds of garden tools; all the way from hand tools to
Where Is God? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr. E. Stanley Jones used to tell of a five-year-old child who was asked, "Where is God?"
Say It With Flowers -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Henry Penn, the man who coined the phrase, "Say it with flowers,"told Dr.
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 33:12--23 (C)
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.
The Holy Bible And Pitcairn Island -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember the movie Mutiny on the Bounty?
In The Presence Of God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that the great concert pianist Paderewski never went before an audience until he had
The Epiphany Season -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
A History Of Epiphany
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1--6, 9 (E)
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
These stories in Acts about the beginning of the church in Jerusalem are intended by Luke, the autho
Church Attendance 2 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
We disagree with the news media on where most people attend events on Sunday.
An Act Of Kindness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When Bob Howard was the Sheriff of Darke County, Ohio, he and his wife had an interesting custom.
The Doctor's Fee -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man carried his dog into the vet's office, and after an examination the doctor told him the dog wa
Where Is Your Goal? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the Arabian Nights collection of stories, there is this one:
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 34:1--12 (C)
Don't Walk By -- John 9:1-7 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
One day as Jesus is walking along, he sees a man, blind from birth. The story is found in John 9.
Christmas For A College Girl -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Colleen, the college girl, had come home for the Christmas holiday.
Into Eternity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
While touring Europe, you may visit the Cathedral in Milan, Italy.
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

A Little Town Of Great Renown -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
The name Johann Sebastian Bach has been familiar in church music circles for many years.
Lean On Me -- Luke 18:1-8 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
One of the tangible benefits of reading the Bible is that we discover that God calls people to servi
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 Frightening Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
So much happening in so little time! We are left gasping for breath.
Mary, The Mother Of Jesus -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
Falling Short (Of The Glory Of God) -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Sam Goldwyn, the great picture maker, said of one of his movies, "I don't care if the picture makes
Wounded In Our Spirit And Emotions -- Isaiah 42:1-4, James 3:13-18 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesEmotionsUnresolved anger
A Letter To My Children -- Jeremiah 31:3-10 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a widowed mother who left young children behind
Service, Not Flash -- John 14:1-6, 2 Timothy 2:8-13, Job 19:23-27 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For one whose life was centered in ChristService, Not Flash
The Light Of Christ -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Isn't it wonderful to be part of a candlelight Christmas Eve worship service?
Prayer -- What's In It For You? -- Luke 18:9-14 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
The Gospel Lesson for this day is the familiar story about the tax collector and the Pharisee.
Star-spangled Justice -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
In just a few more weeks we will be winding down the official summer season.
Song Of The Vineyard -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Some of the best prophetic voices of any culture are its troubadours.
Mary Magdalene's Day -- John 20:1-18 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Mary Magdalene may very well be the most enigmatic and controversial figure in the resurrection stor
Thin Places -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Joseph also went [to] Bethlehem to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was ex
Whose Inheritance Is It? -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Donna E. Schaper -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
The Holy Spirit gives us our inheritance.
Wounded In Our Hopes And Dreams -- Isaiah 40:4-11 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCauseDisciples after the crucifixion
Where To Go When You Grieve -- Matthew 14:12 -- Barbara Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a forty-year-oldWhere To Go When You Grieve
God's Little Warrior -- Mark 10:13-16 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an eight-year-old who died of leukemia
The Boy Grows Up -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Each of us faces the choice of who and what we will become.
A Tax Collector Becomes Rich -- Luke 19:1-10 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry.
The Hard Task Of Truth-telling -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Carrie's1 high school guidance counselor noticed she had been acting out a bit in school recently.
Those Who Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Christianity has always had its doubters. Sometimes it comes in open and public terms.
Living And Dying -- 2 Chronicles 24:17-22 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the
When Christ Is King ... -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Many people don't like the theological language of Christ as king.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Jerusalem -- 1999
All Bataks of Sumatra can tell you their Bona Pinesa (village of origin).
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.
God's Power -- 1999
Not everyone enjoys Monday night football as much as I do.
Saints -- 1999
In September of 1997 the world lost one of its living saints.
The Body Of Christ ... For You -- Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- Constance Berg -- 1999
"This is the body of Christ, broken for you."
Emmanuel -- 1999
On an episode of the formerly popular television sitcom Night Court, Mac, the black court bai
Barrier -- 1999
Our acolyte carrying the cross and leading the processional got to the chancel at Saint Johns and di
Bible -- 1999
Palimpsest is parchment from which one or more writings have been erased to make room for late recor
A Salute -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
There she walks carefree into the store.
Prayer -- 1999
From Robert Fulghum's book, Uh-Oh: "A Hudson Bay start meant the frontiersmen always camped t
Could We? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
If we were in a tour group visiting the Grand Canyon and one of the members of the group kept asking
Joy -- 1999
A little sign on my desk says, "Joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God." The gre
A Different Hunger -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Marsha and Richard had a beautiful home on a wooded lot just outside the suburbs.
God's Presence -- 1999
At a community Thanksgiving service at the First Methodist Church, Des Moines, the Drake University
Savior -- 1999
At all the professional football games, behind the goalpost is a fan holding a banner which says, "J
"Christ Jesus Lay In Death's Strong Bands" -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Constance Berg -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bandsFor our offenses given;
Envy -- 1999
In Newsweek: "Executive Robert McDonald, after cleaning up after his dog, took literally a mu
Blessings -- 1999
There is a little steak house named Toppers in Des Moines, Iowa, between Mercy and Lutheran Hospital
An Autonomous Person -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
On the inside cover of a Sigurd Olson book which she gave me for my sixtieth birthday, she wrote, "A
Preaching -- 1999
A woman who had dated a divorced United Methodist minister several times shot the 36-year-old pastor
Missing The Mark -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We were visiting with my 94-year-old uncle.
Joy And Preaching -- 1999
I preached in Curran Memorial Church in Sanoyea, Liberia, tonight.
Sharing One's Faith -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1999
One of the greatest joys for believers is that chance to share our faith with each other and others.
God's Word -- 1999
"In every age the church with the Holy Scriptures at its side has had some witnesses to the truth an
Science -- 1999
On HBO April 23, 1987, Creator: scientist Walter said, "When science does finally get the big

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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)
Proper 22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 34:1-8)
The Lord Comes With Power -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: As we worship, prepare a way for the Lord to come into your life.
God Speaks To His People -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: With all our hearts let us thank the Lord.
Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 Theme: Hannah's Prayer
First Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Genesis 9:8-17 and 1 Peter 3:18-22)
Proper 23 -- Psalm 146 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (Psalm 146)One: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Plea For God's Presence -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
God's Call To Change Our Ways -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Wait in silence for God, for our hope is from him.
Speak, Lord, I'm Listening -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)
Proper 24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (Psalm 127:1-2)
Called By God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Wait patiently for the Lord and he will hear your cry.
Job Perseveres And Finds New Life -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising him.
Third Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on 2 Timothy 3:14-17)
Proper 18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipAll: The harvest is before us. But someone has to gather the crops.
The Beginning -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Faithfulness -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on 1 Corinthians 13)
Proper 19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 8)
God Of All The People -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Arise, shine, for your light has come.
Where Is God When We Need Him? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 40:28-31)
Proper 20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship One: Lord, we call to mind the hatred and violence half a world away

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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

Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For November 23, 2025:

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
In 2014 Hannah Cotton, professor emerita of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was volunteering her time at the Israel Antiquities Authority’s scrolls laboratory, looking through some ancient documents written in Nabatean, a form of ancient Arabic. It was one of many documents which have been discovered in the desert caves of Judea, where people stashed valuables both during the Jewish War of 67-70 AD (in which the temple was destroyed), as well as the Bar Kokhba Rebellion of 132-135 AD.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 1:68-79
Frank Ramirez
God reigns, now and always, but that is not always immediately apparent. Jeremiah warns the false shepherds, earthly rulers who plunder the flock, that God is watching, and someday the true Shepherd will be revealed! Paul reveals to the Colossians, who have no idea that the geological clock is ticking and an earthquake will devastate their city, that the man on the cross is the head of the body, the beginning and the end, and the first-born of the dead. And in Luke’s gospel we see that Jesus reigns, even from the cross, dispensing mercy and reward to a fellow sufferer.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A simple gift for each child. Depending on your group, this could be a piece of candy, a cookie, a simple toy or book, or any other object you choose to give. Have them in a bag or box.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

A thief asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into his kingdom. In our worship today, let us explore those qualities which make Jesus a king.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I fail to worship you as king.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I'm not interested in any kind of royalty.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
I admit I like it when people are articulate. I like a leader to show a wealth of knowledge on a certain subject. Many people feel the same way. We like the flamboyant skater with a glittery costume and dramatic moves. We like the politician who shakes hands, has good debates, and shows up in the right photos. We admire the celebrity who gives selflessly.

So then, why have we been attracted to Jesus as our authority? Jesus was born in a barn. His father could not hold a job and was therefore demoted to the lowest trade at that time: carpenter. His mother was a teenager.
Schuyler Rhodes
"Be still and know that I am God."

How difficult it is to be still. The world in which we live conspires to make of us a blur as we rush about doing all the things we feel called to do. Indeed, it is difficult to be still. Today, the average worker in the American work force puts in fifteen to twenty more hours a week than a worker did a generation ago. Today, the demands of parenting and community are overwhelming as many find themselves also caring for aging parents. Being still? Sounds nice, but when would that happen? During sleep?
John W. Clarke
Although we are going to concentrate on Jeremiah 23:1-6, it is important to note that these verses are a part of a larger section that is best understood in its entirety. This section contains a collection of prophecies concerning the Davidic kings. It is not important that it be broken down verse by verse, but rather theme by theme.
Scott Suskovic
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created ... in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell...
-- Colossians 1:15-16, 19

Julia Ross Strope
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
we are going to have to stretch our hearts, open our minds,
and strengthen our souls ... God cannot lodge in a narrow mind;
God cannot lodge in a small heart. To accommodate God they must be palatial.
-- William Sloan Coffin, Credo

Call To Worship (Leader)

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