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SermonStudio

Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
The book of the Acts of the Apostles is the second volume of Luke's great account of God's act of sa
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Things Of True Value -- Matthew 13:44-46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Treasure. Just the word alone is enough to spark daydreams and fantasies.
It's A Serendipity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Taken from the old Arabian fable, "The Princes of Serendip," we get the word "serendipity."Haven't y
Cry, The Beloved Country -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Alan Paton's book, Cry, The Beloved Country, suggests a valid answer to racism.
Who Made God? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Children often ask profound questions over which we all stumble.
An Investment In Eternity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Herbert Hoover was a poor boy working his way through Stanford University in California.
The Mayo Clinic -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The world famous Mayo Clinic had a religious origin. In 1883, Dr. William W.
The Preacher's Parrot -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A lady bought a parrot from a retired sailor. It had one bad habit: it used swear words sometimes.
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31--34 The promise of a new covenant.
Trinity Sunday -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
This priestly account of God's creation of the world has been called the most theological chapter in
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1--13 (C, E); 1 Samuel 16:1, 6--7, 10--13 (RC)
Good Guys And Bad Guys -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Gary Larson, creator of the comic strip Far Side, produced a strip in which we see God in his
Jesus' First Miracle -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A converted alcoholic was asked if he believed the Bible story of how Jesus changed water into wine.
Education And The Ends -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Education in life deals with ends:
Who Really Pays The Tax? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One excuse for the sale of alcoholic beverages is that those who produce the drinks pay taxes.
Beginning Again -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The poet Louise Tarkington once wrote:I wish there were some wonderful place
The Miracle Of Ice -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A Mrs.
The Smart Old Indian Chief -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some curious tourists stopped along an Arizona road where they saw an old Indian chief sitting in fr
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 24:12--18 (C); Exodus 24:12 (13--14) 15--18 (E)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Jeremiah 20:7-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
God has a way of humbling our pride.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Risk And Reward -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Every few years, we hear sermons during the stewardship season based on the parable of the talents.
Keokuk's Answer -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At Keokuk, Iowa, we walked out on a high earthen dam, bolstered by concrete.
A True Substitute -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was once a trombone player who became too ill to march in a parade.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Can We Give Thanks? -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 -- Carl B. Rife, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a six-year-old boy who was ill from birth
Recognizing His Disciples -- John 13:31-35 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Recognition of people, places, and things is a fundamental prerequisite of successful living.
What's In A Name? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
What's in a name? Does a name matter?
Dream And Reality -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
How can one best understand Dr. King? What was it that formed and empowered him?
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Advent 1 Children's Message Green
Maundy Thursday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
As a child the first time I heard the word "maundy" I associated it with being seedy.
Questions -- Psalm 13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman following a brief illnessQuestions
Angels And Aliens -- Luke 10:17-20, Revelation 12:7-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Like some giant, mystical flock of snow geese stopping momentarily in their fall flight to the south
Home At Last -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
One of the more colorful eras of our country's past is the old Wild West.
What Price Must We Pay? -- Luke 6:20-31 -- John W. Clarke -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
Today's Gospel Lesson mirrors the Sermon on the Mount that is found in Matthew 5-7.
Tales Of The Spiritually Stupid -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 18-22 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
"Stupid is as stupid does." So says the now-famous quote from the movie, Forrest Gump.
It Is Well -- Matthew 11:28 -- R. Blaine Detrick, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an eleven-year-old boy who drownedIt Is Well
Keeping His Word -- John 14:23-29 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Keeping our word has a long and positive history in our nation.
Abraham Believed God -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
If you've traveled with small children in a car, you've probably heard this conversation more than o
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Advent 2 Children's Message Purple or Violet
Palm Sunday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Several times in the book of Revelation there is a break in the action here on earth while we are tr
Frayed Ends And Torn Seams -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man killed by a hit-and-run driver
Radically Unfair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In a Walker Percy novel, a white physician is arrested for illegally selling drugs to truck drivers
Risky Business -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- 2006
Su Xueling (pronounced ZOO-ling) is a different breed of entrepreneur, delivering instant noodles on
Father, Forgive Them! -- Luke 23:33-43 -- John W. Clarke -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Each of the gospel accounts of the crucifixion has its own peculiarity.
Listening For The "Ching-ching" -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
When television producer, Dick Wolf, introduced a new "cop show" in the early 1990s, he could hardly
Unity That Transcends -- Luke 22:14-17 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The World Council of Churches and other interdenominational and international church groupings have
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
What A Deal: Investing In Hope -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
What is the most ludicrous business deal you ever got into (or out of) just in time?

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Priorities -- 1999
When the Berkeley Hills fire spread, Carol and I parked our station wagon, ready to leave in a minut
Burden -- 1999
On an Ozark flight from Des Moines to Saint Louis in March, the plane had to be de-iced before we co
Life After Death -- 1999
At the airport, there was a limo driver holding up a sign: "Katz." Others recognized family right aw
Some Guideline Questions -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Unbridled, unrestrained, blind ethnocentrism frightens me, Leon.
Grace -- 1999
Because Dwaine Pittman was ill on the day we seven were examined before the confirmation, the questi
Service -- 1999
At Bishop's Cafeteria there is a light on each table.
May God Go With You -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1999
Things weren't going very well. Angelica's husband's paycheck wasn't due for another week.
Trust In God -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
Jancy counted her money.
A Life For A Life -- John 15:9-17 -- Constance Berg -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Who would lay down his life for a friend?
A Gratifying Moment -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
"What is your brother doing these days?" "Oh, he's a successful accountant out West." "How did your
Faith And Action -- 1999
At a PLTS chapel service Christine Sinnott talked of an eagle stirring up its nest.
Prison -- 1999
I purchased three goldfish for our fountain.
Call -- 1999
A young man working as church van driver, Larry Kennedy, locked himself out on the roof of Park Plac
Life In Christ -- 1999
Sometimes when there is a typhoon in the Phillippines some trees survive and are still standing, eve
Sabbath Made For Man -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A conscientious young couple is trying to provide janitorial services for their church, and they are
Greed -- 1999
At Drake University, Allen Boesak of South Africa said, "I'm here because some of us believe there i
Sign -- 1999
David Brenner on the Johnny Carson show told about signs he never quite understood:
One Pastor's Story -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1999
Craig Barnes has learned what it is to be a servant. And he knows what it is like to serve.
Gift From God -- John 17:6-19 -- Constance Berg -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Brian could feel the heat of anger rising in his neck.
Secularization? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The family Christmas gathering has come and gone --
Faith And Life -- 1999
Dr.
Promise -- 1999
The radio and television ads in Des Moines for Reichardt's clothing store have owner Bill say: "No s
Caring -- 1999
On a recent airline trip I saw the Columbus control tower hold up the takeoff of our 727 stretch for
Lifestyle -- 1999
Alan Alda, in an interview about making movies, said that those now aged thirteen to 21 want three t
Frustrated Spiritual Hunger -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
While I know that it was an erroneous impression, when I used to travel on the old highways through

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Second Sunday Of Easter -- 1 John 1:1 - 2:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Unison Confession Of Faith (1 John 1:1 - 2:2)
Dancing For The Lord -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The world and all that is in it belongs to the Lord.
First Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe come with open minds.
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- John 14:15-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Promise Of The Holy SpiritCall To Worship
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Theme: Our Daily BreadCall To Worship
The High Priest -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithThe High PriestThe Opening Speech
Christmas Eve / Day -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: The Birth Of JesusCall To Worship
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent/Palm Sunday) -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Matthew 27:11-54 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: Dark GethsemaneCall To Worship
Proper 12 -- Romans 8:26-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Theme: More Than ConquerorsCall To Worship
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Psalm 65 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Reformation Day -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Welcome and AnnouncementsPreludeCall to Worship
According To Thy Will -- Luke 1:26-38 (and other scriptures) -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Vignettes On Mary Of Nazareth
A Secret Search For Truth -- John 3 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Nicodemus Reports To Joseph
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Theme: Genuine PietyCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 66:8-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 20 -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Theme: Living The Fruitful LifeCall To Worship
A Maid -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA MaidThe Opening Speech
Christmas Eve / Day -- Psalm 96 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent/Palm Sunday) -- Psalm 31:1-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 12 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Theme: What Is The Kingdom Of God Like?Call To Worship
All Saints' Day -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
All Saints' DayService Of Worship
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 37:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 4 -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Theme: A Firm FoundationCall To Worship
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Theme: LeadershipCall To Worship

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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