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Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Isaiah 44:6-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Jacob is on a journey from Hebron to Haran, Abraham's original home in northern Mesopotamia.
Excuses, Excuses -- Luke 14:15-24 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Perhaps before attending this banquet, Jesus should have read his Emily Post.
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
In our Old Testament lesson last Sunday, we heard God promise to Abraham that he would be the forbea
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28, Matthew 7:21-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:9--22; 7:24; 8:14--19 (C)
More On "Accountability" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yehudi Menuhin, the famous concert violinist, was to perform in a New York concert hall.
Entrance -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Bill Collins had a small, but thriving, general store in a city.
A Drink Of Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr. E.
For Thoughtful Worship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On the dossal cloth behind the central altar of the New Haven United Methodist Church in Indiana, ar
Cooties -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The college professor in an astronomy class liked to use objects we all know to illustrate his lesso
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
This story follows immediately on Elijah's victory over Jezebel's prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel,
Watching Servants -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 8 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
This is one of those texts that remains almost totally incomprehensible to the congregation when it
Weather Signs -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
In many respects religious faith has become a rather casual affair in our society.
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
First Sunday in Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Promises are so important!
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
This story forms part of the Elisha cycle that is found in 2 Kings 2-13, and that is interspersed wi
Places Of Honor -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
This serves as the stated text for Epiphany in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Second Sunday in Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
If we read the Old Testament in tandem with the New Testament, we sometimes have to employ a double
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Thanksgiving is a response to what God has done.

Sacrament

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SermonStudio

Jesus Destroys The Power Of Sin -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
A story is told about how Leonardo da Vinci created one of his great masterpieces, Last Supper
What's New? -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ron Lavin -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
"What's new?" is a common greeting.
The Unshakable Foundation -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
On Top Sail Island, North Carolina, stands the ruins of a dream in a shell of a house.
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Ron Lavin -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
The Author Who Wipes Away Sins
The Acceptable Time -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
When Paul arrived at the city of Corinth, Greece, the middle of the first century A.D., he knew he h
Giving Of Ourselves -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Have you ever wondered if growing up poor could somehow imbue you with deeper character?
Living Out The Promise Of This Child -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2005
Living Out The Promise Of This Child
Accepting The Unconventional In Life -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time there was a great teacher, a guru, who had many followers.
The Passion Of The Servant Leader -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Ron Lavin -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
The Passion Of The Servant Leader
Where Is Love? -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Several years ago, a fellow named Lionel Bart wrote a hit song, "Where Is Love," for the Broadway mu
Salvation In Jesus' Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- Ron Lavin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Salvation In Jesus' Name
Are You A Taker Or A Giver? -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
It was quite a picture -- on the front of the New York Times magazine.
Signs -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
In 2002, there was a popular Mel Gibson movie called Signs.
Secret Revealed -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
At last it happens!
Where Are You From? -- John 18:1--19:42 -- David T. Ball -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
Whenever we travel, we come into contact with new people.
Experiencing God -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Experiencing God
Dots On A Screen -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Several years have now passed since the television series Survivor first debuted to become a
Yesterday, Today, And Forever -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Ron Lavin -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient.
The Paradoxical Power Of Weakness -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
There are people who speak to us more powerfully out of their weakness than out of their strength.
Why God Has No Grandchildren -- John 8:31-36 -- Stan Purdum -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Children of pastors have their share of strange experiences.
Our Ultimate Destination -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
On U.S.
A Clock Or A Compass? -- Mark 1:9-15 -- David T. Ball -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Do you all have your compasses with you? What? You don't have compasses?
Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Here's a fact about life: things change.
Practicing God's Presence -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
In the early years of the sixteenth century, a young adventurer named Nicolas Herman left his parent
God's Surprises -- Acts 10:44-48 -- Ron Lavin -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
God's Surprises

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Friendship -- 1999
"For the lonely man all the treasures of the world are no substitute for companionship.
Rest -- 1999
During a four-hour ordination service in the Batak Church in Medan, Sumatra, I saw the assistant to
Christian Family -- 1999
I like being a Christian because everywhere I travel I'm family at once.
Luther -- 1999
Today is Saint Martin's Day (Nov.
Time-Weary Lives -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
More than I usually did with this part of the course, I was elaborating upon the concept of time and
Sharing And Caring -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Henry hated Arnold.
Slow Learner -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
"Will you ever learn?" says one's spouse as one again engages in non-productive behavior.
Holy -- 1999
There were two places in Amsterdam where there were big crowds but it was hushed: In the Van Gogh mu
Memories -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Don sat at the edge of his chair and looked right past me. "I can't hear much anymore.
Receiving The News -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
I was sitting with my husband in a doctor's sterile office when I learned I was to become a mother f
Thanksgiving -- 1999
Tom Brokaw, on the Thanksgiving evening news, said, "When we sing the dirges, we must also sing the
Future -- 1999
The church sexton got the paper roll which plays the carillon bells in the church tower in the playe
Resurrection -- 1999
Sam Donaldson on the ABC news told of Yellowstone Park, which burned last summer.
Christian Life -- 1999
In the movie Back to the Future a young man goes back in time thirty years and sees his paren
Materialism -- 1999
On the CBS news with Dan Rather, Bill Moyers said regarding the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Peac
Friendship Erosion -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Soil erosion is a condition with which many of us are familiar, but another kind of erosion is not a
Christmas -- 1999
A favorite story at Saint John's, Des Moines, is about the Christmas Eve that Pastor Louis Valbracht
Maturity -- 1999
In the television sitcom Cheers, his girlfriend says to Sam Malone, who tries to keep everyon
Focus On Behavior -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
When it comes to people that I know, I must confess that I have my likes and dislikes.
Made In The Image Of God -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
Darla had always suffered from bouts of depression and low self-esteem.
I'm Right! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, for how many individuals might the following soliloquy represent their thoughts and feelings?
Holy Spirit -- 1999
A television commercial for John Hancock Insurance says: "We can help you here and now, not just her
Forgiven And Encouraged -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Lee and JoAnn had foster children in their homes for years.
God's Presence In The Millennium -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
The speaker was funny, interesting, engaging, and very knowledgeable.
Time -- 1999
The National Technical Information Service announced in 1997 that the average U.S.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Theme: True Wisdom Of GodCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Messengers Come To Us In Our Time Of IndecisionCall To Worship
Proper 21 -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Theme: Testing Our Profession Of Faith By Our DeedsCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: Spiritual Blessings In ChristCall To Worship
Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: ForgivenessCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: Reconciliation With GodCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Be Hospitable To GodCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: Practice What You PreachCall To Worship
An Angel Tidings -- Luke 2:8-14 -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
(Angel enters, humming or whistling "Angels We Have Heard On High." Stops center and begins to pu
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Theme: DiscipleshipCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Power Of God To OvercomeCall To Worship
Proper 21 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: The Word Became FleshCall To Worship
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Crucifixion Of JesusCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Theme: JealousyCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Life Of RighteousnessCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Romans 5:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Hope Does Not DisappointCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Youth Sunday -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Introduction
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 112 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- John 17:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Eternal Life Is To Know GodCall To Worship
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Ten CommandmentsCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Theme: Choose LifeCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 22 -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Theme: Forget The Past -- Press On Toward The Goal!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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For September 28, 2025:
  • Money! Money! Money! by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. “This is the even-handed dealing of the world! There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” — Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
The president of the college I attended was the kind of man who always said what was on his mind. He had a very healthy self-image and wasn’t concerned about how people might take him. At one of the graduation ceremonies, he stood at the podium, looked out over the huge crowd of people, shook his head, and said to himself (right into the microphone, of course), “All these Christians in one place, and no one’s taking an offering!”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
The lesson makes clear that God is present in the world of business, in our daily work.  John Wesley offered thoughtful reflections on the nature of work; he noted:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. (vv. 14-15)

One morning last October, Bruce Klemm got up and sang a song to his wife, Virginia, as he has done every morning of the 42 years they have been married. Little did he know that within a few hours, he would be calling her to say goodbye.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told a story about a rich man and a beggar to illustrate the way in which we fail to notice those who are poor. In our worship today let us remember the poor and ask God to teach us a real concern for them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail notice some people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we deliberately leave people out.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we care only about ourselves.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Lent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 9-16.)

The writer of this psalm deftly employs a striking image, that at once offers us hope in times of trouble -- but at the same time, redefines for us what it means to be a human being in the world.

Schuyler Rhodes
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "Praise the Lord!" The phrases are familiar, almost rote. Mouths open and words emerge. Pastors and liturgists remind the faithful that this God is not only worthy of our praise; this God sort of requires it of us. This God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who brooks no competition from other gods we might pursue. Yes, God is worthy of praise. Right?
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money. With salaries that are often in the millions, they feel underpaid unless they are at the next level. I heard one player say to a reporter on Sports Center, "It's not about the money. It is about respect." A few moments later, the host of the show made the comment, "When they say it isn't about the money, it's always about the money."

Chrysanne Timm
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at the companion text from the book of Lamentations, a common thread begins to emerge. It is the thread of grief. Jeremiah has been called by God to a truly thankless job -- that of accompanying the people of his homeland into a time of loss and grief. Because of decades of idolatry and treaties with neighboring nations, the people of Judah will lose the land God once graciously gave to their ancestors.
R. Robert Cueni
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describing what happens when a person tries to "serve both God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). Today's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus leaves us repulsed by the gory details, puzzled by the literal description of eternal life, and hopeful that the Lord didn't really mean all those terrible things about the punishment due us "Haves" for our treatment of the "Have Nots."

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some coins with me this morning. (Show the coins.) How many of these coins would it take to be rich? (Let them respond.) I think it would take millions of these coins before you would really be rich. How many of you would like to be rich? (Wait for show of hands.) I think most of us would like to be rich. What would you think if you had a wish that everything you touched turned to gold? (Let them respond.) You would soon have lots and lots of gold and you would quickly be very, very rich. There's a famous story about a man who had

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