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Adult study

African-American History

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Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

The Cover -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress the importance of Bible reading.
Your Light Has Come -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."
The Insulting Bonds -- Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-50 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
After the crowd, with swords and clubs, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus, they bound him in chai
A Winter Experiment -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about how love affects us all.
The Need For Balance -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress the need for a balanced life and for personal responsibility for it.
You Are All That Matters To God -- Psalm 50:7-15 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine." (v.
The Warning Dream -- Matthew 27:11-26 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
I have a place where I can be alone.It's cool and bare,And quiet there
New Year's Resolution -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To remember that outward appearances are not the most important things in life.
Listening To The Whistle -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show the need to put into practice what we learn.
The Set Face -- Luke 9:51-56 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
A wise old archer, training two young men to shoot arrows that would hit the target, asked the first
The Useless Water -- Matthew 27:11-26 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
All day Sam and Richard played football, sometimes simply fighting over the ball.
Earphones -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To share with the children our need for time alone and time with other people.
What Shall We Be? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress the importance of what a child learns in the early years.
The Misdirected Tears -- Luke 23:26-31 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
All of us cry sometimes. Jesus wept over Jerusalem, his people.
Through Others Too Far Away -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show the affect of our influence upon others.
Patience In Learning -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To remind children that patience is an essential part of life.
The Rejected Drug -- Matthew 27:32-37 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
A ten-year-old once said, "When you're put here on earth, it's for a reason.
Even Children Can Be Good Samaritans -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to be good Samaritans.
How God Is Heard Today -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To help children understand one way whereby God speaks to people today.
The Torn Curtain -- Matthew 27:45-54, Mark 15:33-39, Luke 23:44-49 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
There is a story that says there was once a very large religious statue in a temple, but one day a m
Silence -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to use silence.
The Spoiled Child -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To focus on one way that we learn from God.
The Unused Spices -- Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
Spices are a symbol of love, the love of the women who brought the spices to the tomb of Jesus to po
Easter Is Colorful -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To remind the children that life is beautiful with Jesus and because of Jesus.
Using Your Imagination -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to use their imagination for good.

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

SermonStudio

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
Epiphany 2 / OT 2 -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus
Lent 5 -- Psalm 130 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord ... O Israel, hope in the Lord!
Advent 2 -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in
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
Why, O LORD, Do You Stand Far Off? -- Psalm 10 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Rise up, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; do not forget the oppressed.
The LORD Is King -- Psalm 93 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty ...
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / OT 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
... the disciples came to him and said ...
For God Alone My Soul Waits In Silence -- Psalm 62 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation ...
Praise The LORD! Praise The LORD, O My Soul -- Psalm 146 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
Easter 7 -- Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebel
Epiphany 2 / OT 2 -- John 1:29-42 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, "He on whom
Lent 5 -- Romans 8:6-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Advent 2 -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near ...
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / OT 26 -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
... By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?
In The LORD I Take Refuge -- Psalm 11 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
... how can you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountains"? ...
O LORD, You God Of Vengeance ... Shine Forth! -- Psalm 94 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Rise up, O judge of the earth ... how long shall the wicked exult? ...
O Come, Let Us Sing To The LORD! -- Psalm 95 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O come, let us sing to the LORD;
Proper 14 / OT 19 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
... and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver....
O God, You Are My God, I Seek You -- Psalm 63 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you;
Praise The LORD! How Good It Is To Sing Praises To Our God -- Psalm 147 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our God ...
Easter 7 -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Discipline yourselves, keep alert.
Epiphany 3 / OT 3 -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish....-- Isaiah 9:1
Lent 5 -- John 11:1-45 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazaru
Advent 3 -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom ...

Drama

SermonStudio

Sylvester, The Schizophrenic Solicitor -- Exodus 20:1-17, Romans 7:13-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19:7-14 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Parable Of The Sower (Soil) -- Mark 4:3, 5, 7, 8 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:Mr. Sower -- the soil is now ready.
Walter And Francesca -- 2 Chronicles 36:14-23, Ephesians 2:4-10, John 6:4-15, Psalm 122 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Wicked Husbandmen -- Mark 12:6-7, 9 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
A Single Granary -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33, Psalm 51 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Every Knee? -- Isaiah 45:21-25, Philippians 2:5-11 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Waiting -- John 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersChurch Secretary: either sex and any age older than college
The Committee -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersJanet Jason: female, older than college age
Cooking With Carol -- John 6:24-35, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersAnnouncer: either sex, very friendly, warms up the audience for Carol
Searching -- John 6:51-58, John 6:56-69 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersNarrator: male or female, any age
The Deeds -- James 1:17-27 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersMinister: male or female any age over college
The Applicants -- James 2:1-10 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersSecretary: male or female over college age
The Grocery Store -- James 3:1-12, Mark 9:30-37 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
(The lights come up on a woman, sitting on the couch talking on the telephone)
The Pray-er -- James 5:13-20 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersMildred: an elderly lady who is handicapped
The Hotel And Restaurant -- Hebrews 1:1-4, Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersPeter: the maitre d' hotel, middle-aged or older
The Mission -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersAgent 1: male or female, any ageAgent 2: male or female, any age
Are You Calling Me? -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
(The lights come up on a solitary figure, with no set or props.
The Adoption Agency -- Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersAgency Director: male or female older than college age
Isaiah's Surprise -- Nancy Steltz -- 1987
Staging: Gabriel is on the far right; Mary is sitting center stage; the chorus stands at left stage.
Recollections of Enoch, A Jewish Captive In Babylon -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1985
I thought I was an old man when we were brought to Babylon, and I am ten years older now.
Recollections of Sarah, Servant in the Home of Zacharias and Elizabeth -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1985
I am not really an old woman yet - at least I know a few who are older!
Recollections of Reuben, Uncle of a Young Bethlehem Shepherd -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1985
It's a great time for you to be asking questions now, after all the blood your soldiers spilled and
Recollections of Abdul, Camel Boy for An Eastern Potentate -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1985
I'm glad I'm home. That's the first thing for me to say. I'm really glad I'm home.
Recollections of Mary, Daughter of the Keepers of a Bethlehem Inn -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1985
Children, I just can't sit down with you now. I have too much work to do for our guests.
The Women -- William Grimbol -- 1984
SETTING: Five women gathered in a courtyard garden for conversation

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

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
Christmas Day -- Psalm 98 -- James Evans -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
This psalm gives us the proper theme for a Christmas Day celebration: "Make a joyful noise to the Lo
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
Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2 -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2006
Psalm 40 is possibly a combination of two psalms.
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.)
Begging, Touching, Healing, Growling -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Miracle Three Begging, Touching, Healing, GrowlingThe Text
Three Little Pigs -- Jesus' Version -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Sometimes we have to preach the obvious such as: we need a strong faith founda
Why In The World Is There A World? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: The subject concerns the reason for our existence.
God Always Wins At Hide And Seek -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We can't get away from God.
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Jeremiah 31:31-34 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33
Forgiveness Starts A Fight -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Miracle Four Forgiveness Starts A FightThe Text
Can Pagan Objects Be Sanitized? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Are there certain objects or ideas that are off limits to Christians because t
Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 or Genesis 2:18-24, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Job 1:1; 2:1-10 or Genesis 2:18-24 Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Should You Be Sophisticated Or Naive? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What should our natural stance be in relationship to the world?
Should Acolytes Wear Sneakers? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How formal or informal should we allow our worship services to become?
Putting Leftovers In The Offering Plate -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do we give our best for God, or have we conveniently placed the church and our
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2005
Revised Common Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Breaking The Law To Fulfill It -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Miracle Five Breaking The Law To Fulfill ItThe Text
A Just-In-Case Arrangement With God -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It may not be possible to have a playing-it-safe kind of approach to religion.
Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 or Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Job 23:1-9, 16-17 or Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 Hebrews 4:12-16
What If Your Minister Misleads You? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we recognize the truth or know we can trust the sermons we hear since w
Mom, Where Did We Come From? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Occasionally a sermon on who we are, historically, would be appropriate.
Do You Ever Pretend To Be A Christian? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we evaluate our own personal sincerity as we try to put our faith into
Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Mark 11:1-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11
The (Demonic) Empire Strikes Back -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Miracle Six The (Demonic) Empire Strikes BackThe Text

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Tongue Is Mightier Than The Sword -- James 3:1-12 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
Skin Game -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
Let's think about skin for a minute. Skin is something very precious to us.
Genuine Hope -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Nancy Kraft -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
The season is upon us once again.
Commissioned For Christ -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
On a warm and sunny early June day in 1943, John Francis Laboon, "Jake" to his friends, stood with h
Planning Your Way Out -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.-- John 6:47
Heavenly Wisdom -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Who is wise and understanding among you?
Jesus At Home -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
When he [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
The Wisdom Of The Cross -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Nancy Kraft -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
There are some people who have the gift of persuasion.
Let The Shofar Sound! -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ken Lentz -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
The school bell rings. The noonday siren sounds. The church bells call the faithful to worship.
When The Baker Becomes The Bread! -- John 6:51-58 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world ...
Antidote For Bad Times -- James 5:13-20 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
A minister waited in line to get his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend.
Due For Renewal -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Every pastor, on occasion, feels the need to remind a congregation that we need not fear things that
It's About Grace -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Nancy Kraft -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When Bill Clinton was running for president, there was a phrase that drove his political campaign.
Troubled Waters -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Ken Lentz -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
A man from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, died and went to heaven.
Tough Talk For Tentative Disciples -- John 6:56-69 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?-- John 6:60
Living In The Present -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
Look to this day, for it is life, the very life of life.
Looking Up: Looking Out -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Robert J. Elder -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
This passage serves as a gift to the church as we prepare to enter into the season of Lent beginning
God's Great High Priest -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- Nancy Kraft -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Redeemer, Word made flesh, Messiah, Savior, Son of God, Prince of Peace, Christ, Good Shepherd.
Strong In God's Name -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Lee Griess -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
A young man was sent to Spain by his company to work in a new office they were opening there.
Spiritual Resuscitation -- Romans 8:6-11 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
One spring when I was about ten, I was home alone after school.
All In The Family -- 1 John 3:1-31 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
"Surprise!
Lent 2 -- Psalm 27 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
Mistaken Identitiy -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Appearances can be deceiving.
Storm Walker -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
The call came on a Sunday after church just as we were sitting down to lunch.
Unwanted Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Chris Ewing -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
The trouble with words is that they can mean so many different things, depending on who is using the

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision
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.
Attending To The Needs Of Others First -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
John was tired. He could hardly stand up. He needed rest. Mrs.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I should as soon attempt to raise flowers if there were no atmosphere, or produce fruits if there w
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fear
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Alcohol
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The future destiny of the child is always the work of the mother." (Napoleon Bonaparte)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
It is God's will that you should be filled with His Spirit and be controlled by His righteousness.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Spirit, not chance, determines destiny.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Cross
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love Sign in a pet shop: "Love Guaranteed Forever." (Quoted by King Duncan)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
An old Jewish proverb says, "A child without a mother is like a door without a knob."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The heartbeat of holiness is the pulse of God.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christians
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Human Freedom
Today's Trouble Is Enough For Today -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Margy was born in 1934.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One new mom wrote back to her mother that she had worked without ceasing from son-up to son-down!
Matthew 14:22-33 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Gail, a fourth year graduate student, asked the first year women if they wanted to go for a boat rid
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Before the church can be sent into the world, it must be sent by the Spirit.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Following God's Plan
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Alcohol
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
President Abraham Lincoln is credited with saying, "All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel m
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Comforter has come! The Comforter has come!
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Cross

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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: _________________________
NULL -- Genesis 28:22 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "And this memorial pillar shall become a place for worship;
NULL -- Exodus 25:2 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering.
NULL -- James 1:25 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continu
Theme: Standing Stones -- Exodus 24:3-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 116:12-13) One:
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Never Been There -- Never Done That -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Revelation 2:3-5) One:
Theme: Stop The Presses! New Story! -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
NULL -- Luke 16:13 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "No servant can serve two masters.
Third Sunday in Advent -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
NULL -- Exodus 35:4, 5a -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Moses said to the whole Israelite community, "This is what the Lord has commanded:
NULL -- 1 John 3:17, 18 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on
Theme: Yours, Mine, And Ours -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipBased on the Genesis 17 passage. Leader:
Theme: Have No Fear -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 22:26-28) One:
Theme: Lots Of Luck -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 1:1-2) One:
Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 125.
NULL -- Luke 21:2, 3 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
NULL -- Leviticus 27:30 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: " 'A tithe of everything from the land,
NULL -- Revelation 3:17a, 18a -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "You say, 'I am rich, with everything I want; I don't need a thing!'
Theme: I Had No Idea -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Acts 3:12-13) One:
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipPsalm 19:1-2 Leader:
Theme: As The Lord Lives, I Will Not Leave You -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 50:1-6) One:

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
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The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
For January 11, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
At Jesus' baptism God said, "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." Let us so order our lives that God may say about us, "This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased."

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I fail to please you,
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm sure I have pleased you, but have got it wrong,
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I neither know nor care whether I have pleased you,
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Welcoming Mr. Forsythe" by Argile Smith
"The Question about the Dove" by Merle Franke


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
"Jan wasn't baptized by the spirit, she was baptized by spit," went the joke. Jan had heard it all before: the taunting and teasing from her aunts and uncles. Sure, they hadn't been there at her birth, but they loved to tell the story. They were telling Jan's friends about that fateful day when Jan was born - and baptized.


Elizabeth Achtemeier
The lectionary often begins a reading at the end of one poem and includes the beginning of another. Such is the case here. Isaiah 42:1-4 forms the climactic last stanza of the long poem concerning the trial with the nations that begins in 41:1. Isaiah 42:5-9 is the opening stanza of the poem that encompasses 42:5-17. Thus, we will initially deal with 42:1-4 and then 42:5-9.

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC); Isaiah 42:1--7 (L)
Tony S. Everett
Jenny was employed as an emergency room nurse in a busy urban hospital. Often she worked many hours past the end of her shift, providing care to trauma victims and their families. Jenny was also a loving wife and mother, and an excellent cook. On the evening before starting her hectic work week, Jenny would prepare a huge pot of soup, a casserole, or stew; plentiful enough for her family to pop into the microwave or simmer on the stove in case she had to work overtime.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Bil Keane, the creator of the Family Circus cartoon, said he was drawing a cartoon one day when his little boy came in and asked, "Daddy, how do you know what to draw?" Keane replied, "God tells me." Then the boy asked, "Then why do you keep erasing parts of it?"1
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Being Inclusive
Message: Are you sure, God, that you show no partiality? Lauds, KDM

The haughty part of us would prefer that God be partial, that is, partial to you and to me. We want to reap the benefits of having been singled out. On the other hand, our decent side wants God to show no partiality. We do yield a little, however. It is fine for God to be impartial as long as we do not need to move over and lose our place.
William B. Kincaid, III
There are two very different ways to think about baptism. The first approach recognizes the time of baptism as a saving moment in which the person being baptized accepts the love and forgiveness of God. The person then considers herself "saved." She may grow in the faith through the years, but nothing which she will experience after her baptism will be as important as her baptism. She always will be able to recall her baptism as the time when her life changed.
R. Glen Miles
I delivered my very first sermon at the age of sixteen. It was presented to a congregation of my peers, a group of high school students. The service, specifically designed for teens, was held on a Wednesday night. There were about 125 people in attendance. I was scared to death at first, but once the sermon got started I felt okay and sort of got on a roll. My text was 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, as some refer to it. The audience that night was very responsive to the sermon. I do not know why they liked it.
Someone is trying to get through to you. Someone with an important message for you is trying to get in touch with you. It would be greatly to your advantage to make contact with the one who is trying to get through to you.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: When the floods and storms of the world threaten
to overwhelm us,
All: God's peace flows through us,
to calm our troubled lives.
One: When the thunder of the culture's claims on us
deafens us to hope,
All: God whispers to us
and soothes our souls.
One: When the wilderness begs us to come out and play,
All: God takes us by the hand
and we dance into the garden of grace.

Prayer Of The Day
Your voice whispers
over the waters of life,
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
A Service Of Renewal

Gathering (may also be used for Gathering on Epiphany 3)
A: Light shining in the darkness,
C: light never ending.
A: Through the mountains, beneath the sea,
C: light never ending.
A: In the stillness of our hearts,
C: light never ending.
A: In the water and the word,
C: light never ending. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
Baptized In Water or Praise And Thanksgiving Be To God Our Maker

Prayer Of The Day

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. What am I wearing this morning? (Let them answer.) I'm wearing part of a uniform of the (name the team). Have any of you gone to a game where the (name the team) has played? (Let them answer.) I think one of the most exciting parts of a game is right before it starts. That's when all the players are introduced. Someone announces the player's name and number. That player then runs out on the court of playing field. Everyone cheers. Do you like that part of the game? (Let them answer.) Some people call that pre-game "hype." That's a funny term, isn't it?
Good morning! Let me show you this certificate. (Show the
baptism certificate.) Does anyone know what this is? (Let them
answer.) Yes, this is a baptism certificate. It shows the date
and place where a person is baptized. In addition to this
certificate, we also keep a record here at the church of all
baptisms so that if a certificate is lost we can issue a new one.
What do all of you think about baptism? Is it important? (Let
them answer.)

Let me tell you something about baptism. Before Jesus
Good morning! How many of you have played Monopoly? (Let
them answer.) In the game of Monopoly, sometimes you wind up in
jail. You can get out of jail by paying a fine or, if you have
one of these cards (show the card), you can get out free by
turning in the card.

Now, in the game of life, the real world where we all live,
we are also sometimes in jail. Most of us never have to go to a
real jail, but we are all in a kind of jail called "sin." The
Bible tells us that when we sin we become prisoners of sin, and

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