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SermonStudio

Waiting For Jesus -- Matthew 24 and 25 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Matthew 25 begins with Jesus telling a story about a bridegroom being delayed as he was on his way t
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
An Ecumenical Leg -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There's a wonderful story about a doctor who had among his patients an elderly Roman Catholic lady w
The Hereafter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
An elderly lady confided in her pastor that lately she was bothered by the "hereafter."
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
Do You Need It? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Sign in a Vermont country store:"If we haven't got it, you don't need it!"
Is The Bible A Bank? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Is the Bible a bank at your house?
The Inspired Holy Bible -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
1.It is not the concepts of just one man or group.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
Conscience -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the hallway of Eastern College, St.
The Secret Of The Kingdom -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Reading the Gospels, it would seem that telling parables was Jesus' favorite teaching method.
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
An Endless Line Of Splendor -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Vachel Lindsay wrote:An endless line of splendor
The Meaning Of Amen -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
During a children's sermon, Rev.
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
There is a strange belief abroad in our land at the present time, the belief that we cannot know God
W(h)ite Out -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Every author knows the value of this modern substance which can be used when we have typed the wrong
Is This True Americanism? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Among the various things that have happened in the elapsed time since September 11, 2001, there has
The International Garden Of Peace -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In almost the exact center of North America, on the border of Canada and the United States, at the j
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1--3a, 14--25 (C)
The Love Of Christ -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A Roman Catholic saint once said, the love of Christ is:
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1--7 (C)
Contrasts In Character -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Notice the sociological study of two families:I. The Jonathan Edwards family:
Things Of True Value -- Matthew 13:44-46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Treasure. Just the word alone is enough to spark daydreams and fantasies.
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
An Expression Of Love -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
An American journalist during World War II watched a Roman Catholic sister, who was a nurse, cleanse

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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.
Living And Dying -- 2 Chronicles 24:17-22 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the
When Christ Is King ... -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Many people don't like the theological language of Christ as king.
Wounded In Our Relationships -- Isaiah 52:13--53:3, James 4:1-10 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesHarmful relationships
An Appetizer -- John 11:1-44 -- Carl W. Mangold, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful 69-year-old woman following a second heart attack
Doing Battle With Death -- Romans 8:14-39 -- Laurence A. Wagley, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For the death of an infantDoing Battle With Death
What's In A Name? -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
"What's in a name? A rose by any other name smells as sweet."Or does it?
The End Of Time -- Luke 21:5-19 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
No reading of Luke is complete without coming to realize that Luke is concerned that the world under
Fish And Sheep -- John 21:1-19 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Don't you find this passage filled to overflowing with delightful descriptions?
Have We Been "Slicked"? -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
In many small towns across America the annual Volunteer Fireman's Fair is the social event of the ye
Scandal Of The Cross -- John 12:20-23, 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In the gospel reading in John, the author portrays the anticipation and struggle within the person o
Light And Darkness -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
And the light pierced the darkness of it all, of it all -- the Epiphany of our Lord.
Think On These Things -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
In the letter to the people at Philippi, Paul wanted us to think on things that are beautiful, pure,
Wounded In Our Actions -- Isaiah 53:4-9, John 19:16-18 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesAccidentsAutomobile
A Mighty Fortress -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- Thomas N. Rogers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 51-year-old man who was born in GreeceA Mighty Fortress
God's Wonderful Plans -- 1 Corinthians 2:9 -- Frank L. Starkey, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 21-year-old veteran killed in a motorcycle accident
Called By A New Name -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
Two or three generations ago, the only women who did not take their husbands' names after marrying w
The Freedom To Interpret -- John 8:31-36 -- John W. Clarke -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Reformation Sunday is one of those unique times in the church year when we take a moment to remember
So, Are You The Messiah? -- John 10:22-30 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
History shows that people are invariably looking for Messiahs or Christs.
God's Eminent Domain -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
What would you do if you opened your mailbox one day to find a letter from the city or county announ
Faithful, Not Successful -- Matthew 9:9-13, Ephesians 2:4-10 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Today is a day in the church year that is set aside to remember and commemorate the early church apo
Epiphany Hiking -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2006
And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were op
Ashes And Bugs -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Ah, spring! The days are getting longer, and hopefully warmer.
First Five Sundays In Lent -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
The topic of discussion for the morning was the church year.
The Good Fight -- 2 Timothy 4:6b-8 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful middle-aged manThe Good Fight

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Ethics -- 1999
There is an unwritten code of the Bataks of Sumatra that dictates right and wrong behavior.
Preaching -- 1999
A woman who had dated a divorced United Methodist minister several times shot the 36-year-old pastor
Blooming -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
"You know how three weeks ago I asked you to speak about your trip to Mexico?
Seeing -- 1999
Two hunters were road hunting in a pickup for deer in South Dakota.
Boundaries -- 1999
Merrill Lynch's ad on television: "We believe your world should know no boundaries." -- 1987
Judge -- 1999
The conductor of a community orchestra was upset because of poor attendance of musicians at the rehe
Adoption -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Why did we do it, Leon? There is no easy answer. Maybe it was not the thing to do.
Unprepared -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I just have to recognize the fact, Leon, that I am not prepared for any great fame or acclaim.
Good Friday -- 1999
Retired Bishop Ronald Diggs of Liberia was arrested and told to stand trial on Good Friday.
A Second Chance -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Constance Berg -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
Mark is a chaplain in a nursing home.
Evangelism -- 1999
I was at First Methodist Church in Des Moines for a meeting.
Precious -- 1999
During Nikita Khrushchev's visit to the U.S. he bought material for a new suit.
Mother Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Liliana called me to her room at three that afternoon.
Servanthood -- 1999
A special on 60 Minutes, October 18, 1987, was about Sister Emmanuel who lives in the garbage
Brother And Sisterhood -- 1999
During the Gulf War Peter Jennings told of an Iraqi family in Texas who named their first son Saddam
Leadership -- 1999
Eric Gritch told of an Italian military captain leading a charge of soldiers.
Using Our Children -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Jim* was elected president of his class and was on the honor roll both semesters.
How About Humor? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
When the Japanese were bombing Pearl Harbor, the story is told that when American soldiers were runn
Gospel -- 1999
The Cathedral of Mexico City has a wire suspended from the ceiling to the floor with a plumb line we
For Or Against? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Shelley looked around and took a seat in the front row.
Example -- 1999
I saw a man today pushing his four-year-old son across the street at Forest and Harding against the
Prejudice -- 1999
A pastor told of having old church records of a Norwegian congregation which listed membership as: "
See The Little Light Shine -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
She was so patient.
Service -- 1999
At Bishop's Cafeteria there is a light on each table.
Burden -- 1999
On an Ozark flight from Des Moines to Saint Louis in March, the plane had to be de-iced before we co

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Do You Have All The Answers? -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord, my soul! O Lord, my God, how great you are!
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 30)
Proper 21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Mark 10:35-45)
The Work Goes On -- True Happiness -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Speak Up For Freedom -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: How shall we serve our God who has blessed us in so many ways?
First Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipOne: Lord, your light is shining to the nations.
Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Job 1:1; 2:1-10Theme: Testing Our FaithCall To Worship
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 139)All: O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
Wisdom Calls -- Mark 8:27-38, James 3:1-12, Proverbs 1:20-33 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The law of the Lord is perfect; it gives new strength.
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 65)One: Praise is due to you, O God.
True Happiness -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people,
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 4)
The Lord Made Us All -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Serve the Lord with a right spirit.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipWomen: We know love by this, that Jesus laid down his life for us.
A Time For Singing -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipRight: The spirit told Philip to join the chariot of the Ethiopian.
Pray That All The Peoples Of Earth May Know God -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeft: Is there a place where we can come to laugh?
Seek Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The way to become wise is to honor the Lord;
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Acts 1:6-11)
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe hear your words, "Do not be afraid. I am with you."
Accepting Responsibility For Our Failures -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Create in me a pure heart, O God,
Easter Sunday -- Psalm 118:14-24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (Psalm 118:14-24)
When Our Leaders Fail Us -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Be still, so God may speak to you in the silence of your heart.

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

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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
Nazish Naseem
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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