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Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Passion/Psalm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
This is the stated text also in Cycles A and B.
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
This reading from Acts is the stated lesson in all three cycles of the lectionary.
John W. Wurster -- 2003
John 2:1-11Epiphany 2Miracle ThreeWedding At Cana
Proper 28 -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
We have three different accounts of the conversion of Saul in the Gospel according to Luke (9:1-20;
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme The teachings, miracles, and earthly ministry of Jesus.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
This text gives the third in a series of four visions (7:1--8:3) that the prophet Amos was granted d
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 5:1-11Epiphany 5Miracle FourCatch Of Fish
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
A number of subsidiary themes emerge in this reading from Acts, and we probably should take note of
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
An Introduction To The Advent Season -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2003
Happy New Year!
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
The lectionary often combines parts of two separate sections.
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Matthew 2:1-12EpiphanyMiracle OneThe Star
Proper 5 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
This story about Peter's mission to the Gentiles continues the account that began in 10:1, and it re
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
All Saints' Sunday -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
We are a whoring nation, are we not?
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 17:11-19Proper 23Pentecost 21Ordinary Time 28
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Our text for the morning sets us down in the middle of what many have called Paul's second missionar

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Living The Word Of God -- James 1:17-27 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Mohandas Gandhi was born in Porbandar in the present state of Gujarat, India, on October 2, 1869.
Love -- The Only Absolute Commandment -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Love is central to the New Testament message. Jesus called his followers to practice love.
Brothers And Sisters Of Jesus -- Mark 3:20-35 -- George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
The gospels are very open in sharing the opposition that Jesus faced in his ministry.
Testimony -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
In the rural church where my family worshiped and served during my childhood and youth, the midweek
Leaping From Recognition Point -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Leaping From Recognition Point
Don't Fear The Wait -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A long time ago there lived a little boy whose parents had died.
Doing A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Doing A New Thing
Strength Through Diversity -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time.
Call To Worship -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
Twice a year, on Visitors' Sunday and on Oak-hurst's anniversary, Stroupe takes the opportunity to r
The Commandments Are Not Burdensome -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- John T. Ball -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In the Exodus story, Moses leads the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity and takes them to the moun
On Trusting The Work Of God -- Mark 4:26-34 -- George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Jesus spoke to the people in parables about the reign of God.
Fulfillment -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
The closer Christmas gets the more the tension builds. Can't you feel it?
Eating In The Echoing Hall -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
Eating In The Echoing Hall
Blazing A Path To Christ -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." When we were children we were taught this little rhyme as
Setting All The Idols Down -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Setting All The Idols Down
Engage Mind Before Putting Mouth In Gear -- James 3:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
When we were children our parents often quoted us the expression, "Sticks and stones can break my bo
Struggling With God -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
These sermons are taken from a series on 1 Samuel.
The Blessings Of Writing -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay
Where Is Your Trust? -- Mark 4:35-41 -- George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
If it was not Jesus who was asking the question, our reaction to the speaker would probably be somet
Watching And Working -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Our focus during the season of Advent is on the arrival of Jesus Christ.
A Hearing Heart -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
A Hearing Heart
A New Day Is Coming -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
South Africa, a nation rich in resources, people, and possibility, only recently emerged from its da
Battling The Idols -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
In this series on Romans, Stroupe re-examines the nature of the Christian life in the context of Pau
True Resurrections -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today, Easter is the central festival of the church, out of which comes two derivative festivals, Ch
Caring For The "Little Ones" -- Mark 5:21-43 -- George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
This Gospel Reading from Mark is two stories entwined together.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Offering -- 1999
In an Iowa snowstorm the willow trees in back of our home bent way over from the weight.
No-Win -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
There is a witticism that goes, "Why do we buy things we don't want, just to impress people we can't
Humility -- 1999
Lee Kalmer, Dean of ISU College of Agriculture, told of a farmer buying a new tractor.
Witness -- 1999
Mercedes Benz has an ad on television in which a big, new, black Mercedes crashes into a wall for re
Lesson From The Shamrock -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
Shar was worried. She was in charge of the children's sermon this Sunday.
A Blessed Harvest -- John 12:20-33 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It sounded like thunder. There wasn't a cloud in the sky that morning. The noise grew louder.
Compassion -- 1999
An ad for Pioneer in Newsweek shows a man and a woman in pajamas reclining on a couch reading
Ordination -- 1999
We ordained 41 that hot Sunday morning in the church in Medan, Sumatra.
Dare We? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
May it be that we are blind today, Leon?
Novelty Addiction -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
My six-year-old granddaughter says she is bored.
Humor -- 1999
The Iowa State football coach told a story about a football game between centipedes and insects.
Worship -- 1999
In The Covenant Book of Worship published by Covenant Press in 1981 (p.
A Prayer Is Answered -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Virginia and Ralph wanted a child. They wanted a son, as a matter of fact.
Madame And Maid -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
Isabel put on a white glove. Today was Thursday. Cleaning day in the house.
Conscience -- 1999
We installed an alarm system in the faculty annex this week.
Our Soul -- 1999
Rolly Martinson tells the story of a boy who would not stop clicking his heels each time he stood up
Deadlock -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A popular book two generations ago was the Republican presidential candidate Wendell Willkie's On
Humor Singing -- 1999
A little boy in Northern Ireland was riding a bicycle and singing: "The Protestants got all the hous
God's Precious Gift -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Paul and Rosa had tried and tried to have a baby.
Julia -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Julia is the first of seven children and the only girl.
Conversion -- 1999
My medical doctor friend explained today how in medical terms the doctor must convert the heart when
Overburdened -- 1999
A truck driver going through a town on the truck route stopped at each stop street, got out, banged
Can't Help It! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, what drives me down here to my study at five o'clock in the morning?
Hurt -- 1999
Pastor David Rowe points out: "There is an old African proverb which says it doesn't matter whether
A Mother's Thoughts -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
She held the baby to her chest, looking into his eyes.

Thanksgiving Day

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SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's CallCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 28 -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of LightCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christian PerfectionCall To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: Live In PeaceCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
In My Father's House -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
First Sunday Of Advent -- Romans 13:11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Time To Wake UpCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: A Living HopeCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Psalm 133 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday In Lent -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Victory Through FaithCall To Worship
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Lord Will ProvideCall To Worship
Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Trustworthy StewardsCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 98 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Holy Trinity -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ With Us AlwaysCall To Worship
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Invisible PresenceCall To Worship
I Am The Bread Of Life -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
First Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Be Ready -- The Son Of Man Is ComingCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The DoubterCall To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: Overcoming AdversityCall To Worship
For The Musician -- Marie A. Asner -- 2001
Suggested HymnsEntrance
Second Sunday In Lent -- John 3:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Love And Our ResponseCall To Worship
Proper 8 -- Romans 6:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Theme: Wages Versus GiftCall To Worship
Proper 28 -- Psalm 76 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Of Comfort And CompassionCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
14 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 1
30 – Sermons
90+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For November 23, 2025:

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
In 2014 Hannah Cotton, professor emerita of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was volunteering her time at the Israel Antiquities Authority’s scrolls laboratory, looking through some ancient documents written in Nabatean, a form of ancient Arabic. It was one of many documents which have been discovered in the desert caves of Judea, where people stashed valuables both during the Jewish War of 67-70 AD (in which the temple was destroyed), as well as the Bar Kokhba Rebellion of 132-135 AD.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 1:68-79
Frank Ramirez
God reigns, now and always, but that is not always immediately apparent. Jeremiah warns the false shepherds, earthly rulers who plunder the flock, that God is watching, and someday the true Shepherd will be revealed! Paul reveals to the Colossians, who have no idea that the geological clock is ticking and an earthquake will devastate their city, that the man on the cross is the head of the body, the beginning and the end, and the first-born of the dead. And in Luke’s gospel we see that Jesus reigns, even from the cross, dispensing mercy and reward to a fellow sufferer.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A simple gift for each child. Depending on your group, this could be a piece of candy, a cookie, a simple toy or book, or any other object you choose to give. Have them in a bag or box.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

A thief asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into his kingdom. In our worship today, let us explore those qualities which make Jesus a king.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I fail to worship you as king.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I'm not interested in any kind of royalty.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
I admit I like it when people are articulate. I like a leader to show a wealth of knowledge on a certain subject. Many people feel the same way. We like the flamboyant skater with a glittery costume and dramatic moves. We like the politician who shakes hands, has good debates, and shows up in the right photos. We admire the celebrity who gives selflessly.

So then, why have we been attracted to Jesus as our authority? Jesus was born in a barn. His father could not hold a job and was therefore demoted to the lowest trade at that time: carpenter. His mother was a teenager.
Schuyler Rhodes
"Be still and know that I am God."

How difficult it is to be still. The world in which we live conspires to make of us a blur as we rush about doing all the things we feel called to do. Indeed, it is difficult to be still. Today, the average worker in the American work force puts in fifteen to twenty more hours a week than a worker did a generation ago. Today, the demands of parenting and community are overwhelming as many find themselves also caring for aging parents. Being still? Sounds nice, but when would that happen? During sleep?
John W. Clarke
Although we are going to concentrate on Jeremiah 23:1-6, it is important to note that these verses are a part of a larger section that is best understood in its entirety. This section contains a collection of prophecies concerning the Davidic kings. It is not important that it be broken down verse by verse, but rather theme by theme.
Scott Suskovic
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created ... in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell...
-- Colossians 1:15-16, 19

Julia Ross Strope
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
we are going to have to stretch our hearts, open our minds,
and strengthen our souls ... God cannot lodge in a narrow mind;
God cannot lodge in a small heart. To accommodate God they must be palatial.
-- William Sloan Coffin, Credo

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