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SermonStudio

Lightning Bugs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some Boy Scouts were camping in a rather swampy area.
Where Is God? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr. E. Stanley Jones used to tell of a five-year-old child who was asked, "Where is God?"
America Is Great, If -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Alexis de Tocqueville, the French historian, after an exhausting study, once said:
Raising Lazarus -- John 11:1-45 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Numbers 6:22-27 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A -- 2004
I cry at weddings.
He's Alive -- Acts 1:3 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
"He is risen!
Say It With Flowers -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Henry Penn, the man who coined the phrase, "Say it with flowers,"told Dr.
The Holy Bible And Pitcairn Island -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember the movie Mutiny on the Bounty?
A Mystery Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man worked in a factory where they made all kinds of garden tools; all the way from hand tools to
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 33:12--23 (C)
Before Preaching From The Lectionary -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
What Is A Lectionary?
She Said Yes -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
I wonder when Mary realized what she had gotten into by saying yes.
In The Presence Of God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that the great concert pianist Paderewski never went before an audience until he had
The Epiphany Season -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
A History Of Epiphany
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
These stories in Acts about the beginning of the church in Jerusalem are intended by Luke, the autho
Church Attendance 2 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
We disagree with the news media on where most people attend events on Sunday.
Where Is Your Goal? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the Arabian Nights collection of stories, there is this one:
An Act Of Kindness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When Bob Howard was the Sheriff of Darke County, Ohio, he and his wife had an interesting custom.
Christmas For A College Girl -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Colleen, the college girl, had come home for the Christmas holiday.
The Doctor's Fee -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man carried his dog into the vet's office, and after an examination the doctor told him the dog wa
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 34:1--12 (C)
Don't Walk By -- John 9:1-7 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
One day as Jesus is walking along, he sees a man, blind from birth. The story is found in John 9.
Into Eternity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
While touring Europe, you may visit the Cathedral in Milan, Italy.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1--6, 9 (E)
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
I got in a religious dispute one time with a relative over particular truths in the Christian gospel

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Combat Fatigue And Christmas -- James 5:7-9 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Be patient, my brothers, until the Lord comes.
A Life In Rhyme -- Romans 8:1-4, 26-27 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful womanA Life In Rhyme
Wounded In Our Thoughts -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, James 3:1-12 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesBad tapes (bad programs)Poor self-image
The Light Of Christ -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Isn't it wonderful to be part of a candlelight Christmas Eve worship service?
Prayer -- What's In It For You? -- Luke 18:9-14 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
The Gospel Lesson for this day is the familiar story about the tax collector and the Pharisee.
Star-spangled Justice -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
In just a few more weeks we will be winding down the official summer season.
A Letter To My Children -- Jeremiah 31:3-10 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a widowed mother who left young children behind
A Frightening Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
So much happening in so little time! We are left gasping for breath.
Falling Short (Of The Glory Of God) -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Sam Goldwyn, the great picture maker, said of one of his movies, "I don't care if the picture makes
Mary, The Mother Of Jesus -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
Service, Not Flash -- John 14:1-6, 2 Timothy 2:8-13, Job 19:23-27 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For one whose life was centered in ChristService, Not Flash
Wounded In Our Spirit And Emotions -- Isaiah 42:1-4, James 3:13-18 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesEmotionsUnresolved anger
The Boy Grows Up -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Each of us faces the choice of who and what we will become.
A Tax Collector Becomes Rich -- Luke 19:1-10 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry.
Song Of The Vineyard -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Some of the best prophetic voices of any culture are its troubadours.
Where To Go When You Grieve -- Matthew 14:12 -- Barbara Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a forty-year-oldWhere To Go When You Grieve
Mary Magdalene's Day -- John 20:1-18 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Mary Magdalene may very well be the most enigmatic and controversial figure in the resurrection stor
Whose Inheritance Is It? -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Donna E. Schaper -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
The Holy Spirit gives us our inheritance.
Thin Places -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Joseph also went [to] Bethlehem to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was ex
God's Little Warrior -- Mark 10:13-16 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an eight-year-old who died of leukemia
Wounded In Our Hopes And Dreams -- Isaiah 40:4-11 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCauseDisciples after the crucifixion
Walking In The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Walking in the dark is difficult, even in the familiarity of your own home.
Putting Eternity To The Test -- Luke 20:27-38 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Today's Gospel Lesson is one that is troubling if you care about fairness.
The Hard Task Of Truth-telling -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Carrie's1 high school guidance counselor noticed she had been acting out a bit in school recently.
An Appetizer -- John 11:1-44 -- Carl W. Mangold, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful 69-year-old woman following a second heart attack

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

God Noticed Their Hearts -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1999
The vote to have a new church pictorial directory made was approved. Everyone was excited.
Communication -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Many of us fathers, Leon, when we have young sons and daughters, expect our communication with our s
Emmanuel -- 1999
On an episode of the formerly popular television sitcom Night Court, Mac, the black court bai
God's Power -- 1999
Not everyone enjoys Monday night football as much as I do.
Saints -- 1999
In September of 1997 the world lost one of its living saints.
The Body Of Christ ... For You -- Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 -- Constance Berg -- 1999
"This is the body of Christ, broken for you."
Barrier -- 1999
Our acolyte carrying the cross and leading the processional got to the chancel at Saint Johns and di
"Christ Jesus Lay In Death's Strong Bands" -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Constance Berg -- Easter Day - B -- 1999
Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bandsFor our offenses given;
Bible -- 1999
Palimpsest is parchment from which one or more writings have been erased to make room for late recor
Could We? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
If we were in a tour group visiting the Grand Canyon and one of the members of the group kept asking
Prayer -- 1999
From Robert Fulghum's book, Uh-Oh: "A Hudson Bay start meant the frontiersmen always camped t
Joy -- 1999
A little sign on my desk says, "Joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God." The gre
A Different Hunger -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Marsha and Richard had a beautiful home on a wooded lot just outside the suburbs.
A Salute -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
There she walks carefree into the store.
Envy -- 1999
In Newsweek: "Executive Robert McDonald, after cleaning up after his dog, took literally a mu
God's Presence -- 1999
At a community Thanksgiving service at the First Methodist Church, Des Moines, the Drake University
Savior -- 1999
At all the professional football games, behind the goalpost is a fan holding a banner which says, "J
Peace Be With You -- John 20:19-31 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
"Peace be with you. Peace be with you."
Blessings -- 1999
There is a little steak house named Toppers in Des Moines, Iowa, between Mercy and Lutheran Hospital
Missing The Mark -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We were visiting with my 94-year-old uncle.
Preaching -- 1999
A woman who had dated a divorced United Methodist minister several times shot the 36-year-old pastor
Joy And Preaching -- 1999
I preached in Curran Memorial Church in Sanoyea, Liberia, tonight.
Sharing One's Faith -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1999
One of the greatest joys for believers is that chance to share our faith with each other and others.
An Autonomous Person -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
On the inside cover of a Sigurd Olson book which she gave me for my sixtieth birthday, she wrote, "A
Ethics -- 1999
There is an unwritten code of the Bataks of Sumatra that dictates right and wrong behavior.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 43:18-19)
The Good News Of Deliverance -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: I waited patiently for the Lord.
Proper 22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 34:1-8)
God Speaks To His People -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: With all our hearts let us thank the Lord.
Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 Theme: Hannah's Prayer
First Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Genesis 9:8-17 and 1 Peter 3:18-22)
The Lord Comes With Power -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: As we worship, prepare a way for the Lord to come into your life.
Proper 23 -- Psalm 146 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (Psalm 146)One: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
God's Call To Change Our Ways -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Wait in silence for God, for our hope is from him.
Speak, Lord, I'm Listening -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)
Plea For God's Presence -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Proper 24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (Psalm 127:1-2)
Called By God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Wait patiently for the Lord and he will hear your cry.
Job Perseveres And Finds New Life -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising him.
Third Sunday In Lent -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on 2 Timothy 3:14-17)
Proper 18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipAll: The harvest is before us. But someone has to gather the crops.
The Beginning -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Faithfulness -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on 1 Corinthians 13)
Proper 19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 8)
God Of All The People -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Arise, shine, for your light has come.
Where Is God When We Need Him? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 40:28-31)
Proper 20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship One: Lord, we call to mind the hatred and violence half a world away

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For September 28, 2025:
  • Money! Money! Money! by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. “This is the even-handed dealing of the world! There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” — Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
The president of the college I attended was the kind of man who always said what was on his mind. He had a very healthy self-image and wasn’t concerned about how people might take him. At one of the graduation ceremonies, he stood at the podium, looked out over the huge crowd of people, shook his head, and said to himself (right into the microphone, of course), “All these Christians in one place, and no one’s taking an offering!”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
The lesson makes clear that God is present in the world of business, in our daily work.  John Wesley offered thoughtful reflections on the nature of work; he noted:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. (vv. 14-15)

One morning last October, Bruce Klemm got up and sang a song to his wife, Virginia, as he has done every morning of the 42 years they have been married. Little did he know that within a few hours, he would be calling her to say goodbye.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told a story about a rich man and a beggar to illustrate the way in which we fail to notice those who are poor. In our worship today let us remember the poor and ask God to teach us a real concern for them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail notice some people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we deliberately leave people out.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we care only about ourselves.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Lent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 9-16.)

The writer of this psalm deftly employs a striking image, that at once offers us hope in times of trouble -- but at the same time, redefines for us what it means to be a human being in the world.

Schuyler Rhodes
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "Praise the Lord!" The phrases are familiar, almost rote. Mouths open and words emerge. Pastors and liturgists remind the faithful that this God is not only worthy of our praise; this God sort of requires it of us. This God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who brooks no competition from other gods we might pursue. Yes, God is worthy of praise. Right?
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money. With salaries that are often in the millions, they feel underpaid unless they are at the next level. I heard one player say to a reporter on Sports Center, "It's not about the money. It is about respect." A few moments later, the host of the show made the comment, "When they say it isn't about the money, it's always about the money."

Chrysanne Timm
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at the companion text from the book of Lamentations, a common thread begins to emerge. It is the thread of grief. Jeremiah has been called by God to a truly thankless job -- that of accompanying the people of his homeland into a time of loss and grief. Because of decades of idolatry and treaties with neighboring nations, the people of Judah will lose the land God once graciously gave to their ancestors.
R. Robert Cueni
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describing what happens when a person tries to "serve both God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). Today's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus leaves us repulsed by the gory details, puzzled by the literal description of eternal life, and hopeful that the Lord didn't really mean all those terrible things about the punishment due us "Haves" for our treatment of the "Have Nots."

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some coins with me this morning. (Show the coins.) How many of these coins would it take to be rich? (Let them respond.) I think it would take millions of these coins before you would really be rich. How many of you would like to be rich? (Wait for show of hands.) I think most of us would like to be rich. What would you think if you had a wish that everything you touched turned to gold? (Let them respond.) You would soon have lots and lots of gold and you would quickly be very, very rich. There's a famous story about a man who had

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