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Reading Faces -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children learn how to tell what another person might be feeling.
Black And White -- 1 John 1:9-11 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many of you are good at coloring?
The Easter Lily -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand the meaning of Easter.
The Spear -- John 19:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A spear
The Empty Tomb -- Matthew 28:2-6 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A picture of an empty tomb
The Ladder And The Sponge -- Matthew 27:45-49 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A ladder and a sponge
The Dice And The Robe -- John 19:23-24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:Dice and a robe
The Crown Of Thorns -- Matthew 27:26b-30 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A crown of thorns
The Rope -- John 18:12-13 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A rope
The Lantern -- John 18:3 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object: A lantern
On Using Problems -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about the reason for problems in life.
Know Your Limitations -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to live with our limitations.
Zero -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to handle failure.
Can You Go Home Again? -- Luke 2:1-7 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"All went to their own towns to be registered.
Learning From Riddles -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to take care of ourselves.
The Saving Prayer -- Matthew 26:31-35 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
The head of a seminary, a school for ministers, told of all the teachers there voting to picket, to
Symbols Of Thanksgiving -- Stone And Rope -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress our need to thank God for all the good things
Tell God When You Are Happy -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Erskine White -- 1993
"And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.' " (v
The Sawhorse -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show that even simple things can be used to serve God.
The Unwanted Cup -- Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
Our sacred story for today tells of Jesus, when he knew he was about to die, going to the Garden to
The Wishbone -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: How to reach our goals in life.Material: A chicken or turkey wishbone.
What Are You Looking Forward To? -- Luke 2:21-35 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout
Wave The Flags -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about what it means to say, "One nation under God."
The Betraying Kiss -- Matthew 26:47-50, Mark 14:43-50 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
(The following questions are rhetorical questions, not requiring an answer):
What Shall You Give? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To share with the children some wonderful gifts they can

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Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / OT 25 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
... Or are you envious because I am generous?-- Matthew 20:15
Hear My Prayer, O LORD -- Psalm 143 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Do not enter into judgment with your servant,
Easter 6 -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope th
O LORD, Our Sovereign, How Majestic Is Your Name -- Psalm 8 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! ...
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / OT 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with Go
Lent 4 -- John 9:1-41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
... One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.-- John 9:25
You Who Live In The Shelter Of The Most High -- Psalm 91 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge ...
Epiphany 2 / OT 2 -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
... The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me.
Deliver Me From My Enemies, O God -- Psalm 59 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Deliver me from those who work evil ... Each evening they come back,
Advent 2 -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire o
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / OT 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
... Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?"
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / OT 26 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have hea
Blessed Be The LORD, My Rock -- Psalm 144 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Blessed be the LORD ... my rock and my fortress,
Easter 6 -- John 14:15-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
If you love me, you will keep my commandments.-- John 14:15
I Will Give Thanks To The LORD -- Psalm 9 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
Proper 13 / OT 18 (Psalm 17:1-7, 15) -- Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholdin
Lent 5 -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
... They say, "Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely."
It Is Good To Give Thanks To The LORD -- Psalm 92 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
Epiphany 2 / OT 2 -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my
O God, You Have Rejected Us -- Psalm 60 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O God ... you have made your people suffer hard things;
Advent 2 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / OT 26 -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
... Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.-- Philippians 2:12
I Will Extole You, My God And King -- Psalm 145 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever ...
Easter 7 -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own au

Drama

SermonStudio

Power -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
A Thorn -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-6 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersJessica: a sick singer who wants to make a career singing
Miracle In The Bethlehem Inn -- Mary Lou Warstler -- 1993
WelcomePrayerCarol "O Little Town Of Bethlehem"Scene I
Blow The Trumpet! -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Inheritance -- Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersAttorney: middle-aged, can be male or female
Everyone's Invited To The Feast! -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:14-29 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Food -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, John 6:1-21 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersKristen: female, college age or older
Paul's Early Life Through His Conversion -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Paul! Paul! May I speak with you?
Billy Belief And Donald Doubt -- Acts 3:12a, 13-15, 17-26, 1 John 5:1-6, John 20:19-31, Psalm 111 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Years Of Suspicion -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Paul, when we left off talking the last time, you were
Sherman Skeptical And Rodney Rude -- Micah 4:1-5, Acts 4:5-12, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 98 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The First Missionary Journey -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Well, Paul. I'm eager to hear of this new chapter in your life.
B-a-a-a-a! -- Ezekiel 34:1-10, John 10:11-16, Psalm 23 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Gospel Reaches Europe -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Well, Paul. This time when you, as an old hand, started
Love: A True/False Quiz -- Acts 8:26-40, John 14:15-21 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Third Journey And Trials In Caesarea -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Paul, after you came home from your second journey, did you visit Jerusalem?
Righteous Rudy And Judgmental Judy -- Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:9-17, Psalm 33 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Journey To Rome & Paul's Last Days -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: So Paul, it was Festus and Agrippa who sent you off on your fourth journey.
'Wow, I Just Won The Lottery ... I Think!' -- Acts 1:15-26, John 17:11b-19 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Prodigal Son -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
So he returned home to his father.
The Great Feast -- Luke 14:24 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
Symbol And Reality -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-13, Psalm 25 -- John A. Tenbrook -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Ten Virgins -- Matthew 25:10-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
My Son, My Only Son! -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 8:31-39, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 16 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Unprofitable Servant -- Matthew 25:19, 21, 26 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:

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Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 5/Pentecost 3/Ordinary Time 10 -- Psalm 146 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
(See Advent 3, Cycle A, for vv.
Proper 20 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Psalm 79:1-9 -- James Evans -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer
Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28 -- Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2006
Psalm 106 is recitation of the sins of Israel, an enumeration of the ways in which the nation failed
Lent 5 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stan Purdum -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
(See Ash Wednesday, Cycle A, and Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18, Cycle B, for alternativ
Lent 1 -- Psalm 32 -- Stan Purdum -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Vengeance/Injustice/Anger -- Psalm 94 -- 2006
O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Christmas Eve -- Psalm 96 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Psalm 96 is an enthronement psalm.
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Easter 2 -- Psalm 150 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Psalm 150 offers eloquent testimony to the power of repetition.
Proper 19 / Pentecost 14 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Psalm 14 -- James Evans -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 24/Pentecost 22/Ordinary Time 29 -- Psalm 99 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2006
(See The Transfiguration Of Our Lord/Last Sunday After The Epiphany, Cycles A and C.)
Lent 5 -- Psalm 119:9-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
The reason for this alternate lectionary selection, culled from the longest of the psalms, is undoub
Lent 2 -- Psalm 121 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
This is a hymn of praise.
Help/Strength/Comfort -- Psalm 121 -- 2006
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day We are all wanderers, dependent on the providence of God.
Christmas Day -- Psalm 97 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas Day, Cycle A; see also Easter 7, Cyc
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Easter 3 -- Psalm 30 -- James Evans -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(For alternative approaches, see Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B; and Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Or
Proper 18/Pentecost 16/Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
(See Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2, Cycle B, and Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9, Cycle B; see
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- James Evans -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle A, and Easter 4, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)
Proper 17 / Pentecost 12 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- James Evans -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
The writer of Psalm 81 employs a most interesting mixed metaphor.
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2006
Psalm 90 is a prayer, expressing gratitude for God's abiding presence in the face of the transient a
Palm Sunday/Sunday Of The Passion -- Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Liturgy Of The Palms, Cycle A; see also The Re

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

From Emptiness To Fullness -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Today, we learn from two women. The first is the woman we met last week, Ruth.
Integrity: Words With Meaning -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Scott Suskovic -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
My yes means yes. -- 2 Corinthians 1:18b (NLT)
Contemporary Prophets Speak The Truth -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2008
Dorothy Day, a woman who many people today believe to be a prototypical saint for twentieth-century
A Strange Authority -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
When I was just barely into my teens, I went through a period of time when I wanted to be someone el
Be Careful How You Live -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opport
God Never Gives Up On Us -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Have you noticed that no matter how much of a mess we make of our lives, God never gives up on us?
Do Not Forget Your Servant -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
How to have law and order without tyranny? That is the question.
Who Will Vouch For Me? -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Scott Suskovic -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Surely we do not need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you or from you, do we?
You Are In Good Hands With God -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2008
The SS seemed more preoccupied and more disturbed than normal.
The Unsilenced Voice -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2008
There is a book on my shelf titled Texts of Terror.
Sleeping In On Sunday -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. -- Ephesians 6:10
Are You A King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
Are you the king of the Jews?
The Eyes Of Faith -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Scott Suskovic -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the ligh
No Litmus Test For Jesus -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
United States society in 1917 was one filled with much fear and misunderstanding.
God's Anthills -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
Four years ago this week, I was walking through an African village in Namibia with my friend, Solvei
The Ear, The Tongue, And The Temper: A Lesson In Spiritual Anatomy -- James 1:17-27 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow t
When Grace Dances -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
The church has been given some fine texts for Thanksgiving but, like all texts, they require a conte
The Season Of Reconciliation -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Nancy Kraft -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Ash Wednesday is the day when we enter into an annual pilgrimage that takes us from the grave that n
The Renewal Of Life -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
There once was a tree that lived happily in a big forest with many other trees.
When The Impossible Becomes Imminently Possible! -- John 6:1-21 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2008
He already had in mind what he was going to do.-- John 6:6
Yielding To Spiritual Maturity -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
Peter Drucker has conducted management seminars for both businesses and churches.
A Whole City At The Door -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2008
One of my all-time favorite church magazine cartoons pictures a physician in his office, speaking wi
The Width And Depth Of God's Grace -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Nancy Kraft -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the number one wilderness boxing event of all time.
Reconciliation -- The Heart Of Love -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Have you ever taken a course of action or held a particular attitude, all the while thinking that it
Soul Bread! -- John 6:24-35 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2008
I am the bread of life.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Honesty
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-disciplin
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Character -- Christian
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A frustrated mother of three very lively boys went to the manager of the local grocery and begged, "
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fear
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Automation: a technological process that performs all the work while we just sit there.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The greatest benefit of holiness is that it results in eternal life.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Cross
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Henry Ward Beecher: "The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One Mother's Day card read, "Now that we have a mature, adult relationship there is something I'd li
The Stolen Generation -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
In an October 2, 2000, Time magazine article written by Terry McCarthy, Archie Roach recounts
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God does not force holiness on you ... He offers it to you free of charge.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Virginity
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Honesty
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The will to excel is through the Spirit from God.
Extraordinary Ordinary Things -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Catchy quotes help us envision things that are hard to understand.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit gives love, inspires eternal hope, and sets the spiritual captive free.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Pride
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Child
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fear
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The joy of motherhood is what a mom experiences when the kids have gone to bed.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
It is God's will that you should be filled with His Spirit and be controlled by His righteousness.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Theme: Give Me Back What The Bugs Stole -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 19:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA celebration of the God who is our foundation. Leader:
Theme: Life In A Dead End -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship One: Life is filled with sorrows.All:
NULL -- Luke 6:38 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Give, and it will be given to you.
Christmas Eve -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Theme: Spell My Name With An "H" -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 22:23-24) One:
NULL -- Genesis 4:4 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
NULL -- 1 Timothy 6:9a, 11b -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong things to get mo
Theme: When God Began To Create ... -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship.Based on Psalm 111. Leader:
Theme: Life Beyond The Dead -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
NULL -- Luke 12:48 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded;
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Theme: "No's" That Mean "Yes"! -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:1-4) One:
NULL -- Genesis 14:19, 20b -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth ..."
When called to go to a place... -- Hebrews 11:8 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheri
Theme: Rule Like God -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 118:24)
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipSelected verses from Psalm 22. Leader:
Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalm 84, John 6:56-69 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipVerses from Psalm 84. Leader:
Theme: Silent Lips, Praying Lips -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)
NULL -- Luke 16:10, 11 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever
Third Sunday in Advent -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Theme: Snake Eyes -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 107:17-22) One:

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
New Year's Eve/Day
13 – Sermons
40+ – Illustrations / Stories
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6 – Worship Resources
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2 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for adventure. And by the time we returned to our own land after many years, I was older and wiser than my age might have you believe.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy in my home, living in the paddock with my brothers and sisters and the rest of the herd, for we were well looked after. We always had food and water, and the camel master almost never beat us, even when occasionally we'd spit at him, just for fun.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Henry didn't like Jack.

Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness is powerless to extinguish it.

Darkness has always been a potent metaphor for those things in life that oppress and enthrall us, frighten and intimidate us, cause us worry and anxiety and leech the joy from our lives.

We know darkness in our physical lives when illness is close at hand, when we lack the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and clothing.
Paul E. Robinson
Early in January in northern Canada the sun peeks above the horizon for the first time after six weeks of hiding. An important dawn for Canada. Imagine how the lives of people in the northern latitudes would be different if they got used to the darkness and never even expected that a dawn would ever lighten their horizon again.
John N. Brittain
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs. Not a large city, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any place in the US. This dates back to the 1880s, when Greek immigrants moving into the area were hired as sponge divers, a trade they had plied back in the old country. Today Tarpon Springs' main claim to fame is the Greek Orthodox Church's Epiphany celebration, which is held every January 6, with the blessing of the waters and the boats.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down. We still have a fighting chance to keep our resolutions for the new year. Cartoons always depict the New Year as a baby, full of possibilities and innocence. We hope that with a new year we can leave the baggage behind us, stretching toward a brighter future.

Stephen M. Crotts
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received. Other things are written from anger. And there is much these days in any pastorate to make one mad. Still other messages are delivered from depression. I'm convinced that the majority of preachers I know are over the edge into burnout. And what of this particular study? Where am I coming from? Today, I'm writing from a broken heart, a heart shattered by a fallen comrade.
William B. Kincaid, III
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays? And is any warning necessary that bad things will happen in every season of this year? Surely there is better news than that, but we ought to be honest about the bad news. Not even the holidays generate enough good will to stop people from blowing up airplanes and destroying people's reputations and abusing children and selling drugs to teenagers and gunning down their neighbors.
Robert A. Beringer
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time. You meet someone on the street you have not seen for awhile. "What's new?" "Oh, nothing much, really.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

When to accommodate and when not to accommodate? That's the question we face today. Most likely, the minds and hearts of our congregations will be focused on the new year. They will have just celebrated the advent not only of a new year but in this case a new millennium. With all the hype about the year 2000, our attention will doubtless be engrossed in the calendar. On the other hand, today is also an important liturgical celebration of the naming of Jesus. It provides us opportunity to acknowledge the importance of that name which has become sacred in our tradition.
Mark J. Molldrem
Schuyler Rhodes
These are the longest hours of darkness. Although the winter solstice is passed, the darkness lingers for many more weeks. The season becomes a symbol for the longing of the human spirit to "see the light." It becomes difficult to catch sight of the light, however, when so many shadows lurk at every turn of a corner we make. We claim to be an enlightened people; yet settle for clap-trap on television and spend countless hours absorbing it like a sponge under a dripping faucet. We call athletes heroes for nothing more than being good at what they do.
Cathy Venkatesh
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating the visit of the wise men. For some Christian churches, the main celebration of Christ's incarnation occurs on this day. But in the United States, Monday, January 6, 2014, is nothing special in the public sphere. For most of us, this day marks the beginning of our first full week back at work or school after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

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Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12 days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."

Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and
Today we are going to be like the wise men from the East who looked for baby Jesus. They were told the wonderful story about a promised Messiah who would save the world. He was the "king of the Jews" and would be king of all people. They traveled a great distance. They wanted to see the baby. They had to see the baby! So they left and ended up in Jerusalem. There they asked about the promised king.

The man who was king became very jealous. Even though they were looking for a spiritual king -- a king of our hearts, minds,
Teachers or Parents: Have an Epiphany pageant to close off the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas with the children of your church. Have people stationed in various parts of the home or church building where you might go to ask the question, "Are you the Messiah?" They will, of course, say, "No." The first group might add, "Look for the star." Involve as many children as possible. Let them ask the question. Let them get into the role of wise men from the East. Help them relive the story and see that Jesus is more than king of the Jews or king of

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