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SermonStudio

The Gordian Knot -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
A Man Possessed By An Evil Spirit
Have You Considered The Price Tag? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Stephen Covey, author of First Things First and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Peopl
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 30:4--5, 12)
Purity In An Impure Age -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Someone has said that if sin were not in the vocabulary, it would have to be invented.
The Doorkeeper -- Mark 13:32-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
ContextContext Of Advent 1 In The Church Year
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 85)
Men And Women Of God -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
The late Henri Nouwen had a unique insight into the shepherding skills of a pastor, and in one of hi
Preaching The Parables -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2002
In Mark we read that Jesus "did not speak to them without a parable" (Mark 4:34), while the Lectiona
Our Work, Our Mission Field -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Tony Campolo tells the story of an English professor who suddenly quit his job.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Praise!
The Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
John 10 is generally considered the "Good Shepherd" chapter in a manner similar to the way that Hebr
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Hear us, God; answer us.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPSpeaker 1: God loves the world.
The True Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
A number of years ago, PBS presented a television series, The Great Search, which examined wo
A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
"Why is this man so popular?" This question appeared on the cover of Time magazine beside a s
Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is so good!
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Miracle Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel presents two parables for preaching.
Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Unison)
Epiphany 1 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPMen: Praise the Lord.
Bread To Eat -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
"Oh, no, not for five Sundays!" a preacher may exclaim when he/she looks at the Gospel for Propers 1
What Do We Have To Offer? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
A pastor was asked by a visitor to his church, "What do you have to offer?" The wise pastor answered
The Christian Alternative To Materialism -- 1 Timothy 6:6-9 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
In one sense, the Christian faith is the most materialistic of all the world's great religions.
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Eat to live or live to eat? We can eat to our salvation or damnation.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Letter To Pergamum -- Revelation 2:12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
You remember the famous story of Balaam and his talking ass?
Forgiveness And Reconciliation At Last! -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
It happened to a rural Lake County, South Dakota, Lutheran church in August of 2000.
Enjoy The Scenery -- Romans 8:6-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Some of us can remember the days before interstate highways and massive traffic slowdowns when a lei
Another Door -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Intergenerational ServiceCall To Worship:
A Peek At The Resurrection -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to
What If The End Is Near? -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Someone handed me a note at the door of the church building a few Sundays ago.
Don't Be A Turkey! -- Luke 17:11-19 -- 2004
There is little question that the commercially grown turkey is, pound for pound, one of nature's les
Kairos Commitments -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
One snowy day a few years ago, after I had declared the church a "nonessential" business and closed
Further On Up The Road -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
As best I can remember it, the comment came as part of a discussion about the media frenzy immediate
Creative Management Of The Earth -- Genesis 2:4-9, 15 -- 2004
God created the earth and the earth was like a beautiful garden full of all of the good things neede
The Letter To Thyatira -- Revelation 2:18-29 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Kurt Vonnegut is a famous author of surreal novels.
A Deliverer Is Born -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
The River Nile is the longest river in the world, snaking 4,160 miles from Burundi, Africa, to the M
Temptation Of The Palms -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
Be Bold In The Spirit -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Bear Love -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Bill Mosley -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Do you remember everything your mother told you?
God, The Venture Capitalist? -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How does one know anything?
Valentines -- 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:8a, 13 -- 2004
Back in February of 1848, Esther Howland, a student at Mount Holyoke Seminary for Females (now Mount
Rejoicing In Reality -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Our text says that Jesus "went up to the mountain" and, oh, what a beautiful mountain it is!
The Day Of The Lord -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
For a man who claims that he does not know much about the coming day of the Lord, Paul has certainly
On Sharing Leadership -- Judges 4:1-10 -- 2004
Some of the most far--reaching and conspicuous changes that have occurred in our culture in recent y
The Letter To Sardis -- Revelation 3:1-6 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Pat and Mike were somberly looking over the casket that held their late good friend Liam.
Can You Hear Me Now? -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
A cell phone commercial asks, "Can you hear me now?" The assumption is that one can hear any place,
The Gifted -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
If you ask me, a sermon should say only one thing.
Pentecost And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Loch Ness, Locusts, And Bread -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing on Loch Ness when suddenly his boat was attacked by the

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Larry's Boat -- John 3:1-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
It wasn't as though Larry was a bad person -- he certainly was not.
Set Free -- John 4:5-42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Ken grew up thinking he was no good at anything.
I Left My Heart In Philadelphia -- John 9:1-41 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
When Barbara and Charlie joined the church they spoke of it as being a homecoming.
Henry's New Life -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Henry hit bottom. Perhaps what made the situation worse was that he knew he hit bottom.
Love At The Library -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
On New Year's Day Jay had an opportunity to reflect on his life's journey.
Herman's Stand -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1998
Herman is a courageous Christian who is not afraid to take a stand even if others might perceive it
A Gift Is Only A Gift When It Is Shared -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Beth cannot remember a time when she did not attend church, probably because she never had a choice.
Seventh Grade Sunday School Class -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
Hank and Charlene were gifted Sunday School teachers.
And Then There Was Eve -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Eve was one of those kids who, no matter how hard anyone tried, no one could reach.
Alice's Hindsight -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Alice would be the first to admit that she was too young when she got married.
It's Not In The Bible -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
"The Lord helps those who help themselves."That sounds all right to me.
Favor With God -- Luke 1:26-38, 47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Introduction
Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Frank Marshall had never felt so confused or helpless in his entire life.
The Lord Willing ... -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
"Do not boast about tomorrow;you don't know what it may bring."
A Wolf In Shepherd's Clothing -- John 10:11-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Jason Drexler was good with sheep. He enjoyed caring for the sheep on his father's farm.
If I Live To Be A Hundred -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Sam Duncan lay in the semi-darkness of his nursing home room performing the only two activities of w
One In Need Of Healing: Naaman's Story -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
We would all be well advised to be careful where and how we tell this story.
A Child's Faith -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
We're happy that our little grandson Grayenjoys the times he spends the night with us.
Sheep Without A Shepherd -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Christ Community Church was without a pastor for the third time within four years. Dr.
A Prophet Without Honor -- Mark 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
There was once a young man who grew up in a small farming community.
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
Anniversary -- Psalm 15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Harry and Herman had lived in the big brick house on the hill in Willow Bluff for almost half a cent
Dor's Vision -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
As I lay in St. Luke's Hospital, being prepared for an aortagram, I felt quite apprehensive.
Fearless Freddie -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Once upon a time there was a boy known as Fearless Freddie.
Belonging To The Truth -- John 18:33-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
I had a lot of time to think on the long plane ride to Miami.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Community Of FaithCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Prepare The WayCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- John 9:1-41 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Open Our Eyes That We May SeeCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Romans 8:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: Life In The SpiritCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Psalm 124 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Prodigal Son: "Sunrise Or Sunset?" -- Luke 15:11ff: -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in Middle Eastern attire.
Come Quickly, Lord Jesus! -- Revelation 1, 4, and 5 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
John The Baptist On The Isle Of Patmos
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: A Light To The NationsCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 18 -- Romans 13:8-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: Love One AnotherCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: Parable Of The SowerCall To Worship
All Saints Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: SalvationCall To Worship
The Elder Son: "The Coat Says It All" -- Luke 15:25ff -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in farming clothing, well-dressed, clean, wearing a jacket/vest/robe that is n
It Was A Very Long Year -- Genesis 6-9 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Noah's Sojourn On The Ark
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Is FaithfulCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: In The Face Of PersecutionCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: Two Or Three TogetherCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: ImmanuelCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: We Live When God's Spirit Is Within UsCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Psalm 25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
All Saints Sunday -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of GodCall To Worship
The Father: "Not Your Typical Parent" -- Luke 15:20-24 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in first century, Middle Eastern attire.
Journey Into Faith -- Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11:17-19 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Isaac's Test On Mount Moriah

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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