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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 saints of God, past, present and future -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- All Saints Day - A -- 1995
Lesson 1: Revelation 7:9-17 (C); Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 (RC)
Seasoning And Illumination -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- William E. Keeney -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1995
"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored
Laying hold of the true treasure -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
The risen, ascended and exalted Christ. -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1--11 (C, RC, E, L)
God provides for our needs, if we but trust him -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22--31 (C)
Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten observance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
How to overcome a contrary wind -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 37:1--4, 12--28 (C)
God's grace and favor -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Russell F. Anderson -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The ever--expanding circle of God's love -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 45:1--15 (C)
Christ our king -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Deliverance from bondage -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)
The bodily presence of Christ communicated through bread and wine -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- Russell F. Anderson -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:2--3, 14--16
Suffering for righteousness' sake -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1--15 (C)
faith and doubt -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E, L)
A word of warning -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1-14 (C)
The risen Christ is revealed -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Forgiveness -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 14:19--31 (C)
The grace of God -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 16:2--15 (C)
God is our Shepherd and guide -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14, 36--41 (RC)
God judges us not based on what we were but what we are -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
Come into me -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 7:55-60 (C)
God's judgment on those who do not produce the fruits of righteousness -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1--4, 7--9, 12--20 (C)
Making God known -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E, L)
The importance of accepting God's gracious invitation to the feast of life -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 32:1--14 (C)

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Self Help

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Do The Old Rules Still Apply? -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Grandma was well into her eighties when she saw her first basketball game.
Let's Get Committed -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Living in a new millennium differs little from the last.
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.
The Deadly Sin Of Sabotage -- John 9:25 -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Lenten Sermon Written but Never Preached
Houses Built On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
One evening the television news was filled with stories about home--owners on the west coast whose m
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.
When The Tank Runs Low -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Wally Gaines was a pastor in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The New And Living Way -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- 2001
Who's To Say? -- Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
... Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp ...
Did You Send That E-mail, God? -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Knowing When To Wake Up
Peace In Our Time? -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me ...
Sabotage In The Church -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Sermon Sorely Needed by Some Lay Persons and Some Clergy Persons; A Plea to Congregations to let
I Don't Need No Doctor -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
There's an old rock and roll song titled, "I Don't Need No Doctor." The song, like so many of the er
Isaac And Rebekah: A Marriage Made In Heaven -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Early one morning several years ago, I was having coffee with a friend in her kitchen.
The Beginning Of It All -- Romans 5:12-19 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
On May 20, l927, Charles A.
I Would Not Mind A Little Encouragement, God -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Embracing Hope
The Peaceable Kingdom -- Isaiah 11:1-9 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
Edward Hicks was a rough-and-tumble carriage maker who lived in Pennsylvania in the early 1800s.
Manger Power Unleashed -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
Max Lucado has written a book with the interesting title, No Wonder They Call Him the Savior.
Sheep Without A Shepherd: Claiming Christian Leadership -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
My sister is a chronic room re--arranger.
Sibling Rivalry And Washing Windows -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Recently I read the story of a young man who was studying for an advanced degree in child developmen
Abraham, Our Father -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Abraham is the central character in the First and Second Readings appointed for today.
In The Meantime, God -- James 5:7-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Be Patient
Be Prepared! -- Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2001
Have you noticed that, over the last decade or so, there have been lots of predictions about
Confessions Of A Troubled Soul -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
It is a sobering experience to be struck with the bitter realization of what you might have b

Spirituality

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Women's Day

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The Confession Of Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Silence Calls Us To Examine OurselvesTime Of Reflection And Self-Examination
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
Number 81 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Easter SundayPastor: Do you hear it?
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
PROPER 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPTurn your thoughts to God who is your helper and who will be the
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPSeek the Sovereign of all nations. Praise God and be in good
Number 72 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
New Year
The Voice Of The Lord -- Psalm 29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 64 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: In this sin-filled world we live in the darkness of spiritual failure, where there are souls
Number 31 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Lift up your voices in praise!
Obedience To The Law Of The Lord -- Psalm 119:9-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
Number 34 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: So great a cloud of witnesses!
The Confession Of The Darkness -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
As Christ was laid in the tomb, his followers had to stand
Our Relationship To Others -- George A. Nye -- 1993
One of the most popular songs of a generation ago talked about the world needing, more than anything
Number 82 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Mother's Day
PROPER 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPPraise the name of the Lord, you servants of the Lord, who stand
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17, Psalm 98 -- B. David Hostetter -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPSing praises in God's honor with the harp and the music of the
Number 73 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
New Year
Jesus Speaks About His Death -- John 12:20-36 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or see
Number 65 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: In the Christian faith there's a difference between happiness and joy.
A CLOAK -- Mark 11:7-8 -- Richard J. Hull Ii -- 1993
Preparation: Each week during the Lenten season we are asking
Number 32 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: In the beginning was darkness.
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet and The New Commandment -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or see
Number 35 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: The gift of a day! Like none ever before; like none shall ever be again.
Will You Tarry With The Lord This Night? -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
*P: We enter the darkness of this Easter Vigil in the hope

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:

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.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
There is an apocryphal story told that after completing his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, the famous Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci went to a nearby tavern to celebrate the event with his friends. While in conversation and sipping a little of the local wine, Leonardo noticed that many in the tavern were making sport of an ugly fool who made his living going from tavern to tavern, entertaining patrons for a spare coin or a crust of bread. This man truly was an ugly person; he seemed to be more of a troll than a man. His small beady eyes were not centered in his oversized head.

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