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Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1990
Christians live between the time of the Lord's resurrection and his anticipated return to the earth.
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- George M. Bass -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Virtually all Lutheran calendars and lectionaries make provision for the celebration of Reformation
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1990
The title of this day - Ash Wednesday (the rite when ashes are placed on the foreheads of penitents
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
Eschatology - the "last things" - is the order of the day on this next to the last Sunday of Penteco
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- George M. Bass -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Liturgically official or not, the Seventh Sunday of Easter is the Sunday after the Ascension, if not
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1990
Since every Sunday of the church year is a "Little Easter," and since John 6 is being read as the Go
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
The church year theological clue
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1990
Two saints' days that occur this week remind the church what its theological task should be on Sunda
All Saints' Day -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
All Saints' Day is one of those days in the church year calendar that many Protestant congregations
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1990
With the church year nearing the end of its annual cycle - and with Advent (with its eschatological
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1990
At this juncture in the church year, which is now well into the second half of Pentecost, the preach
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1990
The theological clue contained in this part of the church year continues to be kerygmatic, informing
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Two-thirds of the Pentecost cycle/season will have been completed in this Sunday's and next week's w
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
The theological content of every Sunday in the year focuses on the resurrection of our Lord as a "Li
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1990
Two-thirds of the Pentecost cycle/season will have been completed in this Sunday's and next week's w
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
It is critical, at this juncture of the church year, to remember that the lectionary and the church
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1990
In the pre-1970 church year, this would probably have been one of the gesima Sundays, partly because
Proper 22 -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1, 2:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
The early Christian Church could sustain its cry of "Christ is risen!
All Saints' Day -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- George M. Bass -- All Saints Day - B -- 1990
All Saints' Day is one of those days in the church year calendar that many Protestant congregations
Good Friday -- John 18:1-19:42, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- George M. Bass -- Good Friday - B -- 1990
The readings:John 18:1--19:42
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1990
The church year theological clue
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
The very numbering of the Sundays reminds every pastor that the end of the Pentecost cycle/season is
Proper 8 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1990
The Easter event continues to be the heart of the Sunday worship, when God's people celebrate Sunday
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
The end of the Pentecost cycle/season is rapidly approaching; the calendar - church and secular - te
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1990
The title of this day - Ash Wednesday (the rite when ashes are placed on the foreheads of penitents

Sacrament

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Choices Of The Heart -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Tony Campolo tells of the weekend he spent in Las Vegas, speaking at a church conference.
A New Name -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
What names did people call you as you were growing up?
Love, Medicine, And Miracles -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
It was the cover story in Psychology Today.
For Crying Out Loud! -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
My dog really wasn't much of a dog, but he was my dog. His name was Jack II.
Who Wuda Thunk It? -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
In 1969 the New York Mets won the World Series, becoming the world champions of baseball.
Barefoot In The Pulpit -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was prepared especially for a congregation of ministers.
Home For Christmas -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Wayne Brouwer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Beverly Elliot hadn't seen her son Russell Love in more than four years.
Our Jealous Husband -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
These are Ten Commandments that little children know to be true:
Calling, Condemnation, And Charred Stumps -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Gary L. Carver -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
Snoopy, of Peanuts comic strip fame, was sitting on his dog house writing another novel.
A New Day Begins With Breakfast -- John 21:1-14 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was preached at a regular worship service in the chapel of Columbia Seminary.
Anti-Venom Serum -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Years ago, when we lived in Alberta, Sunday nights were very special for us.
Just What The Doctor Ordered -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
A wealthy entrepreneur was consternated to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat.
Friendship? Yes, Please! -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
According to a recent poll only about ten percent of American males say they have a good friend.
Advent On A Shoestring -- John 1:6-8, 19-28; 13:1-5, 12-17 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was first preached in the chapel of Columbia Seminary during the Advent season of 19
Finding The Right Superlatives -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
When Bob Zuppke was football coach at the University of Illinois, the team thrived under his enthusi
Something Old, Something New -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Paul W. Kummer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It's amazing how fast things change.
How To Affair-Proof Your Marriage! -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
Country singer Gene Watson croons:Slip into something soft,
On Being Thankful On Cue -- Philippians 1:1-21 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon is clearly "historically conditioned." It was preached to a seminary congregation in
Shameless Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Paul W. Kummer -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Today is Palm Sunday.
How To Treat Your Enemies -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Did you hear about the man who went into the preaching ministry, worked for seven years, then resign
On Plowing New Ground -- 1 Kings 19:19-21 -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was prepared for and preached at a service in the Columbia Seminary chapel during th
Stay In The City -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
When Jesus leaves earth, in the Ascension, he advises that we stay in the city.
Symbols Of Hope And Reality -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John A. Stroman -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
We are about to embark on Holy Week.
You Can Create A Godly Heritage! -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Former Colorado Governor Richard Lamm said: "Future historians will see best the multiple factors th
Capturing The Butterfly Dream -- Daniel 2:1-12, 27-28a -- J. Will Ormond -- 1999
This sermon was preached in the Columbia Seminary chapel during the summer session of 1992.

Spirituality

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Thanksgiving Day

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SermonStudio

Father's Day -- Judges 13:8 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
All Dark: Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. A lot of us carry photographs that we like to share with friends.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
51. We live in an age that doubts love, and is afraid of the commitment it requires.
Proper 21 -- Psalm 107:1, 33-43 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1991
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;for his steadfast love endures forever.
Advent 2 -- Psalm 126 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,we were like those who dream.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
24. Gracious God, we come to your table as a people in need of direction.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
1. A lot of us carry photographs that we like to share with friends.
Children -- Jeremiah 1, 31, Psalm 139 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
All: Thus saith the Lord;Light Solo: A voiceLight Trio: was heard in Ramah,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
41. None of us can be alone, what God has created us to be.
Proper 22 -- Psalm 101 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1991
I will sing of loyalty and of justice;to you, O Lord, I will sing.
Advent 3 -- Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
Surely God is my salvation;I will trust, and will not be afraid,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
11. God of Christ open our hearts to the majesty and wonder of your love.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
100. If we receive all gifts in measure of our deserving, they would be few and small.
Heaven -- John 14, Revelation 21 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
All: In my Father's house are many mansions.Light Solo: And I saw the holy city,
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
45. We had a certified public accountant who believed the offering was God's tax on his people.
Proper 23 -- Psalm 26 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1991
Vindicate me, O Lord,for I have walked in my integrity;
Advent 4 -- Psalm 80:1-7 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1991
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,you who lead Joseph like a flock!
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
31. We gather to be in the presence and sing the praise of God.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
10.
Praise -- Psalm 24 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
All Dark: The earth is the Lord'sAll Light: the earth is the Lord's,
Day Of Remembrance -- Psalm 13 -- Robert A. Allen -- 1991
All Dark: By the rivers of Babylon,All Light: there we sat down
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
46.
Proper 24 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1991
You are righteous, O Lord,and your judgments are right.
Ascension Sunday -- Psalm 47 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1991
Clap your hands, all you peoples;shout to God with loud songs of joy.
John Enochs, Jr. -- 1991
30. Communion calls us to our potential.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
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

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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