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SermonStudio

America Is Great, If -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Alexis de Tocqueville, the French historian, after an exhausting study, once said:
Before Preaching From The Lectionary -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
What Is A Lectionary?
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.
Say It With Flowers -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Henry Penn, the man who coined the phrase, "Say it with flowers,"told Dr.
Lightning Bugs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some Boy Scouts were camping in a rather swampy area.
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
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)
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
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?"
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Numbers 6:22-27 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A -- 2004
I cry at weddings.
The Epiphany Season -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
A History Of Epiphany
Church Attendance -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some go to church to take a walk,Some go to church to laugh and talk;
The Holy Bible And Pitcairn Island -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember the movie Mutiny on the Bounty?
He's Alive -- Acts 1:3 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
"He is risen!
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
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.
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
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)
Into Eternity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
While touring Europe, you may visit the Cathedral in Milan, Italy.
Where Is Your Goal? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the Arabian Nights collection of stories, there is this one:
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)
Church Attendance 2 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
We disagree with the news media on where most people attend events on Sunday.
Christmas For A College Girl -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Colleen, the college girl, had come home for the Christmas holiday.
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
I got in a religious dispute one time with a relative over particular truths in the Christian gospel

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

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.
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
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."
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wounded In Our Relationships -- Isaiah 52:13--53:3, James 4:1-10 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesHarmful relationships
An Appetizer -- John 11:1-44 -- Carl W. Mangold, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful 69-year-old woman following a second heart attack

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

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.
Emmanuel -- 1999
On an episode of the formerly popular television sitcom Night Court, Mac, the black court bai
Power -- 1999
Pastor Joe Allison of Saint Peters, Monrovia, Liberia, tells that after 600 were slaughtered in the
The Body Of Christ ... For You -- Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- Constance Berg -- 1999
"This is the body of Christ, broken for you."
Barrier -- 1999
Our acolyte carrying the cross and leading the processional got to the chancel at Saint Johns and di
Jerusalem -- 1999
All Bataks of Sumatra can tell you their Bona Pinesa (village of origin).
Saints -- 1999
In September of 1997 the world lost one of its living saints.
A Salute -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
There she walks carefree into the store.
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
God's Presence -- 1999
At a community Thanksgiving service at the First Methodist Church, Des Moines, the Drake University
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.
Envy -- 1999
In Newsweek: "Executive Robert McDonald, after cleaning up after his dog, took literally a mu
Prayer -- 1999
From Robert Fulghum's book, Uh-Oh: "A Hudson Bay start meant the frontiersmen always camped t
"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;
Bible -- 1999
Palimpsest is parchment from which one or more writings have been erased to make room for late recor
Joy -- 1999
A little sign on my desk says, "Joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God." The gre
Savior -- 1999
At all the professional football games, behind the goalpost is a fan holding a banner which says, "J
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
Missing The Mark -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We were visiting with my 94-year-old uncle.
God's Word -- 1999
"In every age the church with the Holy Scriptures at its side has had some witnesses to the truth an
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.
Ethics -- 1999
There is an unwritten code of the Bataks of Sumatra that dictates right and wrong behavior.
Preaching -- 1999
A woman who had dated a divorced United Methodist minister several times shot the 36-year-old pastor
Peace Be With You -- John 20:19-31 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
"Peace be with you. Peace be with you."
Blessings -- 1999
There is a little steak house named Toppers in Des Moines, Iowa, between Mercy and Lutheran Hospital

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Understanding God -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: It is good to sing praise to our God.
The Good News Of Deliverance -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: I waited patiently for the Lord.
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
Plea For God's Presence -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
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
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.
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.
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)
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!
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
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

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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 September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

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

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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