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Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Scout Sunday II -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter!
Singing Hymns For Him -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Peter hums "Home On The Range")
Stubborn -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: (Chants) School's out! School's out! Teacher's turned her ...
Forgive Us Our Trespasses -- Luke 11:4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once Abraham invited a beggar to his tent for a meal.
O Lord, Save My Life -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There once was an eagle, a large, strong eagle who would stretch her wings and soar on the air.
Teach Us To Pray -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In our Bible story for today, Jesus went up the mountain by himself to pray.
Only The Father Knows -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Sarah was sitting beside the window, looking out at the rain falling.
The Eensy-Weensy Spider -- Psalm 147:8b -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Together the nursery children and I wondered at the beauty and importance of water as part of God's
John The Baptist -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There was once a man named John. He lived in the wilderness, the desert.
The Lord's Prayer In "New Haven" -- Luke 11:2-4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time in a town called "New Haven," the mother sat on her son's bed and they talked toget
The Blessing Of God -- Psalm 133 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The psalmist says that God gives good gifts.
Opened Eyes -- Psalm 25:2 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time a grandfather gave his granddaughter, about your age, not a pony, nor a puppy, nor
Creation -- Genesis 1:1--2:3 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In the beginning God created Earth.
The Lord's Prayer -- Luke 11:14 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Jesus sat in the garden with a friend. The air was still. The garden was quiet.
The Glory Of God -- Psalm 19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
It was a new church for Sam.
Timothy's Questions -- Psalm 100:3a -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Who made it? How does it work? What is it for? Why is it here? Where did it come from?
Moses, The Baby -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time there was an evil king who ordered that all boy Hebrew babies were to be killed.
In The Presence Of God -- Psalm 13 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"But, Grandma, I gave all of my Halloween candy but the M and M's to Brad," she gulped between tears
Trinity Sunday -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
(Read the text aloud.) My granddaughter knows the meaning of Trinity.
36 People -- Matthew 22:36-39 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Talk together: 36 is a special number for the Jewish people. Do you know why?
Moses, The Man -- Exodus 3:1-4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"It's burning!" Moses exclaimed, looking at the bush burning before him.
The Gifts -- Matthew 2:11 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Where are the gifts?" the first wise man asked the other two wise men.
The Monkey Who Wanted Misery -- Romans 8:26a -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Talk together: What is "misery"? What is the very worst thing that might happen to you?
The Christmas Star -- Matthew 2:2 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once, long ago, a new star was born in the sky. Because it was a new star it was very small.
David And Goliath -- Psalm 63 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The lion slowly approached the sheep, who, eating the grass, was unaware of the lion about to eat hi

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret -- it leads only to evil.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances.
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.-- Psalm 23:1
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart....
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
...
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Psalm 146 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wick
Christmas 2 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
We, who were first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
Easter 4 -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
...
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who a
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of
Christmas 2 -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Easter 4 -- John 10:22-30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
...
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.
Epiphany 8 / Ordinary Time 8 / Proper 3 -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2009
...
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow....-- Luke 7:12b
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
Easter 5 -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?-- Acts 11:3
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.-- Luke 19:5b

Drama

SermonStudio

The Christmas Hedgehog -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Older Julie Jerry Elaine Deena Julie
Jesus And Mary Magdalene In The Garden -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Mary Magdalene Peter John Jesus
What Wondrous Love Is This? -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 2006
Worship Bulletin
The Magi -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?
Jesus On The Road To Emmaus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Cleopas Cleopas' Friend
Silent Procession Of The Cross -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 2006
Worship BulletinSilent Procession Of The Cross
Even The Least Among You -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them
Jesus And Doubting Thomas -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Peter John Jesus
Silent Procession Of The Cross -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 2006
Worship BulletinSilent Procession Of The Cross
Sampson's First Christmas -- Carlene Morton -- 2006
Sampson's First Christmas Act 1
Jesus By The Sea Of Galilee -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Jesus
Gabriel's Horn -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel
A Travesty Of Justice: In The Shadow Of The Cross -- Kathy Martz -- 2005
Six Lenten MeditationsThe ThornThe RobeThe NailThe Spear
The Honeymooners -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Abram
Live From Jerusalem -- John O. Eby -- 2005
A Palm Sunday DramaLive From JerusalemCharacters
The Cleanup Crew -- Haggai 1:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel
Maundy Thursday Testimonies -- David H. Covington -- 2005
The Reading Club -- Nehemiah 8:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Hannah
God On Trial, Or...? -- John O. Eby -- 2005
CharactersPilateBeelzebubJohannisJesus
Step Up To The Plate -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Mary
Sons Of Thunder -- Carol Secord -- 2005
Shalom Unravels -- Genesis 37:1-36 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2005
CharactersNarratorBilhahJoseph (teenager)
The Animals Learn The Meaning Of Easter -- Will Rabert -- 2005
Characters (15 speaking parts)NarratorRabbitDonkey
M.I.H. -- Missing In Heaven -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Easter Sunrise ServiceOrder Of WorshipPrelude
Tongues Of Fire -- Kenneth Carlson -- 2005
This reading was written for four voices.

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

SermonStudio

Heaven -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
St. Peter was talking to some new arrivals in heaven. They
Definitions -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Dennis Erickson, the University of Miami football coach, gives
Hell -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
And of course you remember the fellow who arrived in Hell and
Devil -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Two youngsters were walking home from Sunday school where they
Husbands And Wives -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A woman was fed up with the boring conferences she had to have
Diplomacy -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
One of the late Bishop Kenneth Shanblin's stories was about a
Impossible -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A self-service elevator had a sign which said, "Eighth Floor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

SermonStudio

Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal God, the hope of every soul, strengthen us in this hour of worship.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Redeemer, in the silence of this hallowed place, we come to you filled with all the cacop
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Gracious, heavenly Spirit, we come to you with a specific need in mind -- the need of persons who li
Sundays after Epiphany -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, God our Sustainer, for the prayer ministry of our church.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator, your word speaks plainly to us about the seduction of money.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Across the years, Eternal God, there have been many things we desperately wanted.
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
How unrelenting, Holy Spirit, is your call to serve your kingdom.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we were children, God, time passed so slowly.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Now, dear Lord, that the leaves have fallen to the ground, we've started to grumble.
Sundays in Lent -- Psalm 103:4-5, 12 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
How beautiful and moving, gracious God, are your ways.
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, the closer we draw to Jesus, the more wondrous are his words from the cross, "Father, forgive
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, Our Creator, for the Josephs and Marys of our world.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We are not always sure how to pray, Eternal Spirit.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, heavenly One, for your presence.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, how blessed we are that you breathed yourself into us, making us in your image.
BE THE LIGHT -- John 11:1-16 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:1-16
CEMETERY -- John 19:38-42 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:38-42
OPENING DEATH'S DARK EYES -- John 11:17-27 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:17-27
WADING IN DEEPER -- John 1:35-51 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 1:35-51
WALKING AWAY BEWILDERED -- John 20:1-10 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:1-10
CRY FOR US -- John 11:28-44 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:28-44
CHRIST IN THE KITCHEN -- John 2:1-11 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 2:1-12
NAME CALLING -- John 20:11-18 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:11-18
ANY ONE OF US -- John 11:45-57 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:45-57
GRACE PLACE -- John 2:13-22 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 2:13-22

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 119:137-144 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Protestant Christians love to talk about grace.
Psalm 22:25-31 -- Psalm 22:25-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A cursory read through of these verses could leave us with the impression that everyone must turn to
Psalm 98 -- Psalm 98 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2009
Some people are gifted in music.
Psalm 5:1-8 -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Everyone knows what it's like to surrender in a long, collapsing sigh.
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a deep yearning here. A longing for a time now past.
Psalm 149 -- Psalm 149 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The very words, "Praise the Lord," have, in some circles, taken on a tone of mockery and scorn.
Work And Rest -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Luke 14:25-33 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I w
Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a growing and dangerous form of Christian faith spreading around the land.
Psalm 121 -- Psalm 121 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is perhaps no better feeling than knowing that someone "has your back." Having someone's back
Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm sits with incredible familiarity on the couch next to us.
Psalm 98 -- Psalm 98 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can supp
Psalm 8 -- Psalm 8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them...?"
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
My computer has a nice little feature.
Psalm 149 -- Psalm 149 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Within the confines of our cultural reality, those who take things into their own hands are showered
Nothing, Some, Or All -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2009
The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.
Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 122 -- Psalm 122 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In this day of turmoil and violence in the Middle East, a call to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem,"
Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
My daughter hates going down into our basement.
Psalm 98 -- Psalm 98 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Rolling the radio around the stations one morning during summer vacation, it became evident that the
Psalm 8 -- Psalm 8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm always causes a little consternation.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"It's time." These two words charged through the boy's consciousness like an electric shock.
1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Comparisons are something we humans seem unable to avoid.
Character Is A Lifetime Job -- Ecclesiasticus 44:1-10, 13-14, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- All Saints Day - A -- 2009
Some of them have left behind a name, so that others declare their praise.
Psalm 47 -- Psalm 47 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Reading this psalm, one can almost hear the hip-hop beat. "Clap your hands all you people!
Psalm 123 -- Psalm 123 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A wise preacher once said that original sin did not involve an apple or a big snake.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Waiting for Christmas -- James 5:7-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Excitement is building on this the third Sunday of Advent knowing that Christmas will soon be here.
The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Two mornings a week I drive from Ontario, Oregon, to Caldwell, Idaho, to teach at College of Idaho.
What Can We Believe about Judgment Day? -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Most of the biblical images of the coming day of the Lord suggest a belief that it will be a day of
Peace and Quiet in an Upside-Down World -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Tony S. Everett -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2010
Johnny is four years old and he stopped taking naps before his second birthday.
The Total Gift -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the
Jesus Tempted in Us -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
It's good to be here with you.
What Can We Believe about the Reign of Christ? -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
The church calendar says that this is the day on which we celebrate the festival of Christ the King.
Remembering Then; Anticipating When -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Tony S. Everett -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
Today is called Maundy Thursday by Christians throughout the world.
The Best Gift of All -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2010
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve.
Nicodemus: A Young Old Man -- John 3:1-17 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Sermon Note: This story sermon is best read with a "special" voice reserved for the scripture
What Can We Believe about Stuff? -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2010
Today we celebrate the festival of Thanksgiving.
What Does Jesus Look Like? -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Tony S. Everett -- Good Friday - A -- 2010
Jenny had spent the past half hour working quietly all by herself at the art table in her Sunday sch
The Gift that Matters! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
As we gather on the Sunday after Christmas we do so with a sigh of relief.
The Bridge at Sychar -- John 4:5-42 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
A great deal of the Bible is quite understandable by itself.
What Difference Does it Make? -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Tony S. Everett -- Easter Day - A -- 2010
What a joyful day! Throughout the world Christians are gathered to celebrate resurrection...
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2010
Praise God for all the wonderful things God has done in our lives and in our world!
Seeing Jesus -- John 9:1-41 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Josiah Harlan was the first American to enter Afghanistan.
Named, Claimed, and Framed -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Tony S. Everett -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
So, here we are just over one week after Easter Sunday. Vigils are finished.
The Light Has Come -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2010
As the Magi scanned the heavens they noticed a star brighter than all the others in the night sky.
Where Is Jesus? -- John 11:1-45 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
For the last few years our family has visited The Dalles, Oregon, for Memorial Day to be with my wif
Claimed, Framed, Changed -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Tony S. Everett -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
What do athletic coaches, politicians, and preachers have in common?
Remembering Jesus -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2010
The novel The Ugly American is based upon facts of how Americans related to people in Southea
Framed, Changed, Challenged -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Tony S. Everett -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
The week before classes began, Harold, a high school history teacher, fell off a step ladder and inj
Looking Down on God -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
One of the most interesting accounts of a creative and surprising story was of a father and his thre
When God Tests Us -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2010
When we get nervous about the unknown, we can make mountains out of mole hills.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

East Of Easter -- Luke 24:13-35 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Easter is past, and if you can think of that momentous event as midnight on a clock, the beginning o
Bring Them To Me -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
The early church certainly liked this story -- it is the only miracle other than the resurrection th
The Shepherd Psalm -- Psalm 23 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
The Shepherd Psalm appears on this Fourth Sunday of Easter every year.
Little Faith -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
If the gospel writer had not identified Peter as the one who wanted to walk on the water, we probabl
Christ Our Cornerstone -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
"Christ is our cornerstone!" That motto was chosen over a century ago for the congregation I now ser
Payback Time -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
If there was ever anyone who had an excuse to look for revenge, it was Joseph.
Attack Or Attract? -- Acts 17:22-31 -- David E. Leininger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
It has been a few years since Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code (New York: Doubleday, 2003
Swords Into Plowshares -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
September 11th.
Clouded Vision -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
There is an ancient apocryphal story about Jesus' arrival at the pearly gates following the ascensio
The Wondrous Gift -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Phillips Brooks was an eloquent Episcopalian preacher in the nineteenth century, famed in his day fo
Sounds Just Like Mom -- John 17:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
We reflected earlier on Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and its assertion that Jesus and Mary M
Streams In The Desert -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
"...
The Force -- Acts 2:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
"May the Force be with you." Everyone recognizes that as the prayer or benediction from the Star
Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
What a mess! Put yourself in Joseph's sandals. A simple man, a carpenter.
Speaking Of God -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- David E. Leininger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
Some things are difficult to talk about. Love, for example.
All I Want For Christmas -- Titus 2:11-14 -- David E. Leininger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth." Remember that?
Under The Rainbow -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Noah and the ark. One of our earliest Sunday school memories.
When Evil Seems To Win -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
"Peace on earth." Ha! Even in the Christmas story, it doesn't last long.
God's Not Done With Me Yet! -- Romans 4:13-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
Abraham. No individual in history is more widely recognized and revered.
What's Right With The Church? -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2007
A denominational executive was scheduled to conduct an officers' retreat for a local church.
Uncommon Laborers -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
Interesting collection of workers Jesus chose to accompany him -- the twelve.
The Christian Family -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
George Burns once quipped, "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family ...
How Not To Be The Father Of The Year -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
It is somehow ironic that the lectionary presents this text around the time America celebrates Fathe
The Power Of Water -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- David E. Leininger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
There is something powerful about water.
The Second Worst Story In The Bible -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
What a horrible story, the second worst one in the entire Bible!

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

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Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: To people held captive by others,
Epiphany 6 -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: You could have stayed in bed,
Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24 -- Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6 -- Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
Spring -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Easter 3 -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Gathering Litany
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: When we have been overwhelmed by the flood of fears,
Epiphany 7 -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: God would teach us to love, even the imperfect people,
Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25 -- Matthew 20:1-16, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
Opening Prayer/Invocation
Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Matthew 5:38-48, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
Life Of Jesus (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Easter 4 -- John 10:1-10, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Psalm 23 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Christmas Day -- Psalm 98 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Advent -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is a general prayer for Advent focusing on light and the presence of God with us.
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Here, we gather in preparation
Epiphany 8 -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: When our hearts are so heavy
Proper 21 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
LitanyDivide the congregation into four voices.
Epiphany 8/Ordinary Time 8 -- Matthew 6:24-34, Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Psalm 131 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
Gathering Litany P: Light in the darkness; C: song in the silence;
Life Of Jesus (2) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Easter 5 -- John 14:1-14, Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Confession And Forgiveness P: We gather for worship in the name of the one who is
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
(Note: We use Taizé songs for our worship, but other songs can be substituted for other co
Second Sunday In Advent -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Christmas Eve (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
Since the Christmas readings are the same for all lectionary years, these communion prayers may b

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Baptism of Our Lord
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Epiphany 2 | OT 2
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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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30 – Commentary / Exegesis
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Epiphany 3 | OT 3
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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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25 – Commentary / Exegesis
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The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

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