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Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Good News of Christ's Birth -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Russell F. Anderson -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Welcoming The New Millennium -- James W. Angell -- 1995
At a wedding I attended 50 years ago, the bride's brother sang a love song, "At Dawning." I was the
Use It Or Lose It -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1995
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to the
A Time To Die -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, Psalm 90:1-12 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For LentCanticle: Pascha Nostrum
The transfiguration of Christ was an experience of divine transcendence -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The passion and death of our Lord -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
James W. Angell -- 1995
AppendixTheology And SomeMajor Concerns
Actions Determine Judgment -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- William E. Keeney -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1995
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the thr
All Glory, Laud, And Honor -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Palm Sunday
The lessons for the Festival of the Holy Trinity have to do with the name of God. -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The end times. -- Jeremiah 26:1-6, Matthew 24:1-14 -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 26:1--6
The Attitude of Readiness -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E, L)
Welcome To The Banquet -- Revelation 7:9-17, Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Maundy Thursday
God enters the human family and leads us through suffering to salvation -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7--9 (C, L)
The gift of the Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1--21 (C); Acts 2:1--11 (RC, E)
The Attitude of Repentance -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Sting Of Death -- 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Good Friday
Through the Incarnate Word, we are conceived in love and born anew as God's dear children. -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:7--14 (C, E)
The productivity of God's word -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 25:19--34 (C)
The Attitude of Patience -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Low In The Grave He Lay -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 130, John 5:24-27 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Holy Saturday
Sleepers, Wake! -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For AdventCanticle: Benedictus Dominus Deus
The mystery of good and evil -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 28:10--19a (C)
The Attitude of Obedience -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

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A Call To Love -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Of all the words used throughout the world, the one that is used the most -- or misused the most --
Juxtaposing -- John 3:14-21 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"... God so loved the world ..."
Pulling Up Tent Stakes -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Twenty years ago a friend of mine was thinking about taking a class at Wartburg Seminary.
Identity As A People -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- 2001
Fascinating reading is an account of the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Northwest, titled Unda
Truth Or Consequences -- Exodus 20:16 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
Mother Teresa and the Princess of Wales were larger than life and continue to evoke sympathy, curios
It's A Mystery -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Mike, a member of our Good Earth Band at THE GARDEN, and a Ph.D.
Seven Deadly Virtues -- 1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
If I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I'm nothing.
Leaving A Legacy -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Moses became God's agent during a transitional era in the Hebrew's history.
What's All The Fuss About? -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Micah is the sixth minor prophet.
What Gives Commitment Staying Power -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
We will not agree on everything at this assembly but one thing I think we might agree on is that chu
Why Doesn't God Do Something? -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Introduction
Who Am I To Judge Another? -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
While I was still in seminary, I thought it would be good to go back to my roots and try to understa
Adventuring Into Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-5 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
About twenty miles northwest of Edinburgh, Scotland, on the Firth of Forth, is the village of Linlit
Nevertheless -- 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews, an absurdity to Gentiles ...
Laughter -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Several years ago Danny Thomas got a good burst of laughter from his audience.
The Blessing In Suffering -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- 2001
Toni Morrison wrote the novel Beloved to help us appreciate the pain and difficulty blacks ha
Woe Is We -- Luke 6:17, 20-26 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"Woe to you when all speak well of you ..."
Anticipation Of The Destination -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Several years ago Heinz created a commercial for its ketchup line that still haunts one every time a
Let Sleeping Dogmas Awake! -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
There are many doctrines in the Bible that receive light billing today.
Reflections After Forty Years As A Lutheran Pastor -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Sermon Preached on the Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination
Receiving The Holy Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Today is Pentecost. Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God.
Living On The Edge -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
In 1971 Evel Knievel attempted to jump across Snake River on a rocket--powered motorcycle.
When God Comes Near -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
Years ago King George VI of England paid a visit to one of his subject colonies in Africa.
Top Ten List -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"... For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled ..."
Uncivil Wars -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
When I was a child I was fussy about one thing at bedtime.

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Good Friday's Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
Invocation *P: Standing in the darkness of this day, we feel the pain
PROPER 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPGive yourselves wholly to prayer . . . always interceding for all
Number 87 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Children's Day
Number 8 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: You have come to worship. What have you brought with you to offer up to the Lord?
Number 28 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
People: (To be sung) "How Great Thou Art" (Copy in refrain only using your CCLI#)
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- B. David Hostetter -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPHear and read what is written down in the gospel of John in order
Jesus Rejected in Nazareth and Jesus Sends Out The Disciples -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 62 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Relinquishing control.People: Wow! That's a toughy -- pretty risky, even.
Christ The Power And The Wisdom Of God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 32 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: In the beginning was darkness.
Number 7 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: If you won the magazine's $10 million sweepstakes, how would you use the money?
Love Speaks In The Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
Leader's Helps Leader's Helps: This series of confessions may be made by one
PROPER 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPPraise the Lord as long as you live. Sing psalms to God all your
Our Spiritual Growth -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Comfort is an intriguing concept.
Number 80 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Easter Sunday
Number 29 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: It's Sunday! The Lord's Day!
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 3:12-19, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- B. David Hostetter -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
*CALL TO WORSHIPGod is everywhere. Pause here to be armed with the power from
Do Not Worry -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use before the pastoral prayer.
Number 63 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: It was a time when society was crumbling; and there was serious doubt that humanity could be
The Snake Made Of Bronze -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 33 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: We hold coronations just about every day of our lives.
Number 71 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: After nearly three years of ministry, Jesus asked His disciples an important question: "Who
The Confession Of Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Silence Calls Us To Examine OurselvesTime Of Reflection And Self-Examination
PROPER 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPLove the Lord, who has heard us and listens to our prayers. God
Our Relationship To God -- George A. Nye -- 1993
A story from my youth comes to mind about a Native American man who was walking the city streets of

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:
Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of Synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.

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