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Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
When Demons Come To Church -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
We still have help when evil grips us and demands
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a (C)
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 43:16-21 (C, RC, E)
Blessed Are The Mothers-in-Law -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
We, too, have been saved that we might also serve
Proper 8 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 (C)
Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Bringing The Paralyzed To Christ -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
A hole-patched Capernaum roof reminded many who saw
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (C)
Preaching On Biblical Personalities -- John R. Bodo -- 2000
1. Rewards
Maundy Thursday / Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Galilee's Hillside Sharing -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Jesus had compassion on the many hungry listeners,
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Amos 7:7-17 (C)
Sermons -- John R. Bodo -- 2000
1. Thomas The DoubterIntroductory Note
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13--53:12 (C, RC, E)
Sinking Boats And Water Walking -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Don't be afraid, the first thought apparition spoke,
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Amos 8:1-12 (C)
Brainstorms -- John R. Bodo -- 2000
1. Hosea
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Mercy On The Wrong Day -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
To the bent-over crippled in the spirit on a Sabbath,
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Hosea 1:2-10 (C)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 5:27-32 (C)
Sight For The Blind And Persistent -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Blind Bartimaeus was rewarded for faith and persistence,
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Hosea 11:1-11 (C)
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:1-16 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

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Anger -- Ephesians 4:25-32 -- 2004
We may come to church on Mother's Day with certain expectations.
Once To Every Man And Nation -- Esther 4:13-17 -- 2004
Once a churchman wrote a letter to his pastor.
Defeat Transformed Into Victory -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Two men, both seriously ill, shared the same room in a hospital.
All Things New -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Years ago I worked at a telecatalog center.
Out Of Conflict -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Today, we are going to talk about conflict. How do you feel about conflict?
After Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Obsolete. Superceded. Null and void.
History: His Story -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
There have been many who have sought to write a history of the world.
It's About Time -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- 2004
One of the gifts my wife Bonnie and I gave each other this Christmas is an antique clock.
God's 'No' -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- 2004
We modern Christians like to think of ourselves as people who practice a positive religion, one that
The Choice For God Or The World -- John 10:1-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Once upon a time, a great and loving king ruled over a vast territory.
No Temple -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
The long-running television medical series, ER, seems on the surface to be just another "real
Surprised By God -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
We live in a culture that is increasingly secular.
Adam's Legacy -- Romans 5:12-19 -- Richard W. Ferris -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye is the Jewish father of five girls living in a Russ
Supper's Ready! -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Let's pretend!
First In War, First In Peace -- Psalm 1 -- 2004
Peter Gibbon is an author, lecturer, and much-quoted researcher at Harvard University. Dr.
How Can I Love My Country? -- Exodus 31:18; 32:1, 7-12, 30-34 -- 2004
How can Christians love their country? How can an American Christian love America?
Jesus, Our Rock Foundation -- John 14:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents bought him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedr
Season Finale -- Revelation 22:12-17, 20-21 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
I understand why people play the lottery.
When Jacob Got A Vision -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
The storyteller is talking about great men and women of vision.
Abraham Believed God -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Abraham believed God.
Do Politics And Religion Mix? -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
It was a trap. The Pharisees set it.
Christ In All Things: The Faith Of Saint Patrick -- Romans 5:1-5 -- 2004
On this Saint Patrick's Day I'd like to begin the sermon with an Irish greeting: "Cead Mile Failta"
Christian Citizenship In A Pluralistic Society -- Psalm 33 -- 2004
"Happy [blessed] is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12).
God Never Gives Up On Anyone -- John 14:15-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contributi
What Is Revealed? -- Revelation 5:1-13 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In that wonderful old movie, High Noon, Gary Cooper is Will Kane, marshal of a small, roug

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Generations -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
The ringing phone woke us out of a deep sleep. I scrabbled for the receiver.
A Double Recipe -- John 6:51-58 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
Karenza picked up the telephone for her study. It was Mr.
Come, Lord Jesus -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1992
Two women lay in their beds on the third floor of a downtown nursing home.
In A Land Of Deep Darkness ... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1992
In almost any other setting Memorial's modern brick building, surrounded by neatly trimmed evergreen
Between A Rock And A Hard Place -- Psalm 40:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1992
There is a high hill which overlooks the little city of Rich-land Center, in south west Wisconsin wh
Cleansed -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
Shirley sits bolt upright in her bed and cries out, "Enough, I can't bear it anymore!" The back of h
The Mortician's Tale -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Easter Day - A -- 1992
It was on a warm Saturday afternoon, late in the spring of 1911. I'll never forget the day.
Creation -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1992
The Almighty One was alone.
What Counts In The End? -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1992
There was once a woman who believed very strongly in the sanctity of marriage.
TRANSCENDENT IDENTITY - A GIFT -- 1991
A few years ago a woman in the eastern part of the United States wrote a letter to Jim Ludwig, the m
YOU CANNOT SAY IT WITH FLOWERS -- 1991
All of us purchase, erect, and decorate a Christmas tree.
THE TREASURE OF GREATEST VALUE -- 1991
There is a tingling excitement in stories about buried treasure.
The Story Of The Rescued Baby -- Exodus 1:22-2:10 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
My name is Miriam. Perhaps you know me.
Advent 1 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
What is at the very center of Christmas?
The Story Of The Stubborn Donkey -- Numbers 22:1-30 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
Some people say that animals are dumb. I don't know exactly what "dumb" means.
The Story Of The Little Man Who Climbed A Tree -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
My name is Esther, and my husband is the chief tax collector in the city of Jericho.
The Story Of The Man Who Lived Again -- John 11:1-15 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
Our home is a simple home, and we are a simple family.
The Greatest Story Ever Told Or Heard -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
The opening verses of the gospel of Matthew, through the 17th verse, provide the passage of Scriptur
THE CHILD POINTS THE WAY -- 1991
When I was a child and continuing through adolescence and young adulthood, I had a recurring nightma
DOUBLE EXPOSURE -- 1991
One of the most lasting images in the New Testament is one from Saint Paul: O death, where is thy vi
ACCESSORIES BEFORE THE FACT -- 1991
On a rainy spring morning a woman who belonged to a church I pastored faced an unfortunate predicame
FINDING HOME ON A FAST TRACK -- 1991
Do you remember your first day of school? It is one of life's great separations.
FLYING INTO YOUR OWN WEAPONS -- 1991
One of the dominant characteristics of our time is preoccupation with speed.
FROM CYNICISM TO OPTIMISM -- 1991
For three years I belonged to a little circle of friends in Boston who took an annual winter pilgrim
AT EVENING TIME IT SHALL BE LIGHT -- 1991
One day as I sat transfixed to my television screen, except for occasional junkets to the bathroom,

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Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Numbers 21:4-9 Theme: I Will Pray For You Call To Worship
A Light Shines in the Darkness -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Down in the Dumps -- 1 Kings 19:1-8 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8Theme: Whoa!Call To Worship
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
So, What's New? -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Really Serious Business -- Mark 9:42-47 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
In These Days -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: In those days, things were different from these days:
I Will Pass Over You -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
God's Surprising Presence -- Genesis 28:10-17 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
On Being in Second Place -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Called By A New Name -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: God calls us out of our silence.
The Tongue Of A Teacher -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
O Come, Blessed Light Of The World! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
LightsAdvent Devotions O Come, Blessed Light Of The World!
Yes and No -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Coming Forth -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Come forth, O love divine.
Christ and Criticism -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Firstborn -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
You Shall Live -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Alternate), Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Celebrating The Advent Wreath -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
BulletinCelebrating The Advent Wreath A Special Advent Service
Lost and Found -- Luke 15:1-24 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Second Sunday In AdventFirst Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11Theme: "Here Is Your God"
Facing a Giant -- 1 Samuel 17:37-50 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Dance! -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Christmas Symbols And Songs -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsChristmas Symbols And Songs Program Participants:

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In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
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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.

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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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