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SermonStudio

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)
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
Wisdom -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On President Calvin Coolidge's desk these words were displayed:
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 Miracle Worker -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Did you ever see the motion picture The Miracle Worker?
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.
Being Gracious -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One time, John Wesley, who started the Methodist Church, was calling in the home of a wealthy Englis
A True Substitute -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was once a trombone player who became too ill to march in a parade.
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.
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
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)
With God At Antarctica -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the famous explorer Shackleton reported on his explorations in Antarctica he said, "When I look
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 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
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.
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.
Eternity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
So live that when thy summons comes to joinThe innumerable caravan that moves
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?
Those New Cars! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Governor of Michigan was invited as a guest of honor to an automobile factory.
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to rem
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 50:4--9a (C); Isaiah 50:4--7 (RC)
W.W.J.D. -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Have you seen the initials W.W.J.D.
Kindness -- Emily Dickinson -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Emily Dickinson wrote, "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain: if I can ea
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

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Five Crosses, Five Candles -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
The simplest visual for the Lenten candles is the one Crescent Avenue used the first time Wounded
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?
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
A Good-bye Topping All Others -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Those bidding good-bye are around us all of our lives.
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
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.
Jesus Is Still Alive! -- John 20:1-18 -- David T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today we Christians celebrate Easter Sunday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's All About Jesus -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Lavin -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
It's All About Jesus
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Ron Lavin -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism
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.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Promise -- 1999
The radio and television ads in Des Moines for Reichardt's clothing store have owner Bill say: "No s
Faith And Life -- 1999
Dr.
Light -- 1999
On the 4th of July, I noticed during a fireworks display in Urbandale, Iowa, that one star in the he
Centering -- 1999
I tried to use my power skillsaw today.
An Extremely Difficult Adjustment -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Control and supervision of our lives from our children?
Guilt -- 1999
There is a scene in the movie The Mission in which Mendoza has killed his brother and Father
Out Of Control? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
What would our world be like, Leon, if every human experienced during his lifetime a profoundly movi
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.
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.
Recall -- 1999
Five people died in Chicago from taking Tylenol Extra Strength.
Family -- 1999
On a television sitcom, Mrs.
Forgiveness -- 1999
After consecrating the elements at Saint John's one day, I made my way toward the balcony with the e
Living Parables -- 1999
At our annual staff Christmas party our little Sarah's turn had come to relate her most memorable Ch
Change -- 1999
There is a town in Iowa named Correctionville.
The Simple Life -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We originally planned to keep the place simple and easy to maintain, Leon.
Heart -- 1999
On the outside of the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City are the words:
Until -- -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
As long as there is one hungry person, Leon, I will not be comfortable when I eat.
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.
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
Reconciliation -- 1999
The headline in the Contra Costa Times, November 16, 1997, read, "Family of slain Palestinian
Foundation -- 1999
I saw today a very heavy trailer of a tractor-trailer combination without the tractor parked on an a
Lost And Found -- 1999
My outboard motor, which had been stolen, was repurchased in a sting operation by the police and I n
Character -- 1999
The May 2, 1997, Antioch Ledger Dispatch told of an overturning in Oakland, California, "When

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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
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
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
A Soldier -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA SoldierThe Opening Speech
Thanksgiving -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Welcome and AnnouncementsPreludeCall 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
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
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
Proper 25 -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Greatest CommandmentCall 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
A City Dweller -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA City DwellerOpening Speech
Advent Sundays -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Four Advent MonologuesPreface
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
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
First Sunday After Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Holy FamilyCall To Worship
Proper 25 -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - 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

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

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