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Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Lion -- Proverbs 28:1 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Boldness
How Much? -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: The extent of God's love for us expressed in the actions of Christ.
Sometimes You Gotta Bend The Rules! -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Rules and laws are good.
My Father's House -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: The sanctity of the church.
Open Access -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To demonstrate that we have access to God through Christ.
Lizard -- Proverbs 30:24, 28 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Inconspicuous, Yet Clever
God's Training Wheels and Laying On Hands -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To teach that baptism is a foundational event in the life of a Christian.
Sign Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Winter and cold as symbols and signs of the world's darkness and the need for
Locust -- Exodus 10:10-15 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
A Warning From God
The Golden Rule -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Treating others the way we want to be treated.
How Should We Live? -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To convey John the Baptist's understanding of compassion.
Watch And Be Ready! -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Conditioning God's children to be watchful and ready.
To Rebuild Or Not To Rebuild -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To explain that we should not keep doing things that we know are wrong.
Ostrich -- Job 40:18 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Strength For Sensational Speed
What Can God Do? -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: God can do some awesome things.
Gobble, Gobble, Gone -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: A lesson of sharing.
God Became Human -- John 1:1-18 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To teach the incarnation.Props: Fingers and Toes.
There Is No Law Against Such Things -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: For some things there are no laws.
Owl -- Isaiah 43:20 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Wisdom Is A Virtue
The Shortest Distance Between Two Points -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: We should allow God direct access to our lives. Key verse: 5b.
Magic Prayers -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To teach the children that prayer forms a relationship with God.
Trinity -- John 16:12-15 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: To teach the Trinitarian nature of God.
Peacock -- 1 Kings 10:22 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Beauty -- A Gift From God
Expect The Unexpected -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: When Jesus comes back it will be a surprise.
Work And Worship -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Sometimes we need to sit still, listen, and worship and not let the cares of

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 4 -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28, Psalm 111 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2008
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Pick Up Your Underwear! -- Ephesians 5:25 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Epiphany 5 -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2008
Isaiah 40:21-31
Fun Things To Do At 3 A.M. -- Matthew 18:1-5 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of hea
Epiphany 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
2 Kings 5:1-14
The Future! -- Proverbs 22:6 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.
Epiphany 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
Isaiah 43:18-25
Talk To Your Dad (And Mom)! -- Proverbs 4:1-4 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight; for
Epiphany 8 -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22, Psalm 103:1-13, 22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Hosea 2:14-20
Telling Stories -- Luke 15:11-12a -- Steven Molin -- 2008
Then Jesus said, "There was a young man who had two sons.
Epiphany 9 -- Deuteronomy 5:12-15, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 81:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2008
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Quiet Time -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed hi
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
2 Kings 2:1-12Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.
Now You Know About Unconditional Love -- Ephesians 2:8-9 -- Steven Molin -- 2008
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing; it is the g
How Long, O LORD? -- Psalm 13 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
Praise The LORD! Praise The LORD From The Heavens -- Psalm 148 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise him, all his angels; praise him all his host! ...
Proper 14 / OT 19 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
He had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave.-- Psalm 105:17
O Sing To The LORD A New Song -- Psalm 96 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD all the earth.
Epiphany 3 / OT 3 -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?-- Psalm 27:1
Easter 7 -- John 17:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom
Hear My Voice, O God, In My Complaint -- Psalm 64 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the scheming of evildoers ...
Advent 3 -- Luke 1:47-55 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.-- Luke 1:50
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2007
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / OT 27 -- Psalm 19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / OT 27 -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more.

Drama

SermonStudio

Mary, Mother of Jesus -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: Mary and her devout parents may have once lived in Jerusalem, but while Mary was quite you
Blessed -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2002
Synopsis And Stage Directions For Blessed
Jonathan's Cloak -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2002
Synopsis And Stage Directions For Jonathan's Cloak
Proclamation -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2002
Synopsis And Stage Directions For Proclamation
Wow! Baby Jesus Is Born ... For Me! -- Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- John A. Tenbrook -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Big Picture -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2002
Synopsis And Stage Directions For The Big Picture
Transfiguration -- 1 Kings 19:9-18, 2 Peter 1:16-19 (20-21), Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 27 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Christmas Story -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2002
Synopsis And Stage Directions For The Christmas Story
Barbecue Bob And The Fresh Wineskins -- Hosea 2:14-23, Mark 2:18-22, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Shawl -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2002
Synopsis And Stage Directions For The Shawl
A Hiding Place -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
You Are There -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2002
Synopsis And Stage Directions For
Heal! -- 2 Kings 5:1-15ab, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 42 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Whatever ... -- 2 Kings 4:8-37, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39, Psalm 142 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts"Whatever."
Puffing And Building -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Mark 1:21-28, Psalm 111 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological ThoughtsHe is God ... and I am not!
Can Anything Good Come From ____________? -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), John 1:43-51, Psalm 63:1-8 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Peter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: We do not know where Peter was on the day his Master hung from the cross.
Immediately They Left Their Nets And Followed Him -- Jeremiah 3:21-4:2, 1 Corinthians 7:17-23, Mark 1:14-20, Psalm 130 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological ThoughtsImmediately!
John, the Beloved Disciple -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: John, sometimes described as Jesus' beloved disciple, never attained the prominence of Pet
A Pizza With Everything -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-38, Mark 1:7-11 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts"I truly understand that God shows no partiality."
Judas -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Defender: As children we had little trouble understanding Judas.
Wilbur, The Wakeful Wise Man -- Isaiah 60:1-6, 9, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Barabbas and Simon of Cyrene -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Presenter: Two men were thrust into the trial and death of Jesus. They had no warning.
Who Ya Gonna Trust? -- 2 Samuel 7:4, 8-16, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 132 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Mary Magdalene -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2002
Narrator: The biblical record of Mary Magdalene is sparse.

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

SermonStudio

Positive praying -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Positive prayingGospel Note:
From confusion at Cana to clarity at Calvary -- John 2:1-11 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:From confusion at Cana to clarity at CalvaryGospel Note:
The false security of material possessions -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The false security of material possessionsGospel Note:
An overture for the oppressed -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:An overture for the oppressedGospel Note:
Christian priorities and preparedness -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Christian priorities and preparednessGospel Note:
Human desires versus divine destinies -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Human desires versus divine destiniesGospel Note:
The disruptive side of the Gospel -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme: The disruptive side of the Gospel
Godly vocations for the unworthy -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Godly vocations for the unworthyGospel Note:
The exclusivity of God's inclusive reign -- Luke 13:22-30 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The exclusivity of God's inclusive reignGospel Note:
God's values versus the world's -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1994
Gospel Note:
Status given versus status gained -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Status given versus status gainedGospel Note:
Imitating God, not humanity -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Imitating God, not humanityGospel Note:
The difficult demands of discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The difficult demands of discipleshipGospel Note:
The sin within -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The sin withinGospel Note:
Repentance as response -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Repentance as responseGospel Note:
The difficult dilemma -- riches or righteousness -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The difficult dilemma -- riches or righteousness
The Christ's self-sacrifice -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Dennis Koch -- Good Friday - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The Christ's self-sacrifice
The sufficiency of the Scriptures -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The sufficiency of the ScripturesGospel Note:
Obedience as owed -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Obedience as owedGospel Note:
Patient faith in times of God's apparent inactivity -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Patient faith in times of God's apparent inactivity
Persistence in prayer -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Persistence in prayerGospel Note:
The pitfalls of prideful piety -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The pitfalls of prideful pietyGospel Note:
Grace that begets grace -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme: Grace that begets grace Gospel Note:
God of the living, Guarantor of life -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme: God of the living, Guarantor of lifeGospel Note:
Testimony and triumph amid tribulations and trials -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Testimony and triumph amid tribulations and trials

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 71:1-6 -- Psalm 71:1-6 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Most people, at one time or another, have had the regrettable experience of needing refuge.
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The definition of a true friend is someone who knows all there is to know about you and still loves
Anaphora Is Useful, Anaphora Is Memorable, Anaphora Is Biblical -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
Anaphora is abundant, both in the Bible and in the sermon.
Grapes, Bread, The Devil, And The Cross: Biblical Images That Preach -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
Why Don't We Use Them More?
I Love To Live The Story: Imaginative Elaboration -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
What Imaginative Elaboration Is
Other Biblical Lessons For Creating Words Fitly Spoken -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
This final chapter discusses several literary devices that demand a brief but incisive mention, beca
The Bible As Homiletics Professor -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
Literary Devices
Parallelism For Preaching Without Parallel -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
What It Is And Its Different Forms
Nothing In The World Better Than Hyperbole -- David Von Schlichten -- 2008
In Preaching the Psalms, J. Clinton McCann Jr. and James C.
Did You Hear What Jesus Said? -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
Did you hear what Jesus said?
Party Time -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
What kind of story was that? The one Jesus told about the wedding reception?
What We Have Left Undone -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
There is a mistake in my Bible. Actually, I found two mistakes in the gospel reading this week.
Faith Like Fanny's -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
I have a little book titled, You Are What You Believe in my library.
Narrow Love? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Okay -- I confess.
Narrative Freedom -- James Ayers -- 2007
following Jesus' pattern of creativity when the preacher tells a story
The Scriptures And The Power Of God -- James Ayers -- 2007
encountering the presence of God when the preacher tells a story
Love Songs And Love Stories -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching psalms of praise as a story
Hurl Their Babies Against The Rocks -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching imprecatory psalms as a story
To Make A Long Story Short -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching multi-chapter texts as a story
What Do These Words Mean? -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching ancient Hebrew and Greek root words as a story
Once Before There Was A Time -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching the doctrine of predestination as a story
If Only You Had Been Here -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching the doctrine of death and eternal life as a story
I Am Sending You -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching the doctrine of resurrection and mission as a story
Once Upon A Christmas -- James Ayers -- 2007
preaching the doctrine of incarnation as a story
Salt And Light -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Sometimes I think preachers would do best by getting out of Jesus' way.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Living With Integrity -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
"Justification by faith" -- to a theologian these words express one of the most basic principles of
Can't Stay Away -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2009
What a bunch of ingrates, those guys -- all nine of them!
Sold! -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at t
Ambassadors Of The Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
There is an ancient Christian story that speaks of a fourth wise man, Artaban, in his pursuit of the
No ... On -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2009
I've tried to get a handle on this Holy Week thing.
How To Treat Your Enemies -- Matthew 5:43-47 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to
Joshua's New Diet -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
What do you or your family pray at mealtime?
How Can One Be Three? -- John 3:1-17 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about the interactive Spirit of God the creator.
Tradition Can Be Changed -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Tradition is defined as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought or action.
Thicker Than Blood -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
In the classic movie, Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews plays a no-nonsense, yet delightful, nanny
Will He Find Faith? -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
It's that last line that's the hard part.
Our Journey Begins Again -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- David H. Webb -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
Once upon a time, tragedy struck a small church family where an eighteen-year-old boy took his own l
The ABC's Of Grief -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
Grief is one of the universal experiences of humankind.
Responsibility Comes With Privilege -- Acts 8:14-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2009
Once upon a time there was a good king who ruled wisely and well over his people, who loved him very
Holy Ground -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2009
The Bible -- under $10 if you do a little shopping.
Is Pacifism Biblical? -- Matthew 5:39 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Do not resist one who is evil.-- Matthew 5:39Love your enemies.
Heisman In The Hudson -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
In December of every year, the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City awards the coveted Heisman Tr
Betting On Foolish Pleasure -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one wh
Fire! Fire! -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
After this second Sunday of Christmas, the church will enter the season of Epiphany.
Freedom Calling -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2009
Free! No obligation, no sales person will call! Free! Don't miss this opportunity! Free!
Begging And Bragging -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded
Relentless Grace -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- David H. Webb -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The story of old Noah and his ark has been told to children and adults for centuries.
Making Ourselves At Home -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- R. Kevin Mohr -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2009
In a scene from the romantic comedy, While You Were Sleeping, "Ox" Callaghan is waxing eloque
Strength Through Diversity -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2009
Recently on a British Airways flight from Johannesburg, South Africa, a middle-aged and apparently q
You Are Here -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
Maybe you've seen the drawing on a T-shirt or poster.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Taming The Tongue -- James 3:1-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Taming The Tongue
Sunday Dinner -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2005
Sunday Dinner
The Path Of Happy Living -- Psalm 1 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
The Path Of Happy Living
Humbled For Love -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
Humbled For Love
Congregational Care -- James 5:13-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Congregational Care
Risky Spirituality -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Risky Spirituality
We Are Family -- John 3:1-7 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
We Are Family
Listening To The Instructor -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2005
Listening To The Instructor
Diamonds In The Rough -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Diamonds In The Rough
Love In Action -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Love In Action
Linus Syndrome -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Linus Syndrome
Mothers, Brothers, And Sisters Of God -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Mothers, Brothers, And Sisters Of God
Bearing The Fruit Of Christ's Love -- John 15:1-8 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Bearing The Fruit Of Christ's Love
Good Service -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2005
Good Service
What's Your Standard? -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
What's Your Standard?
Living In Love -- John 15:9-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Living In Love
A Taste Of The Good Life -- Psalm 34:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
Miracle -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Miracle
Getting Some Batteries -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
Getting Some Batteries
The Tale Of Two Farmers -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
The Tale Of Two Farmers
You Can't Out Give Grace -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
You Can't Out Give Grace
The Untouchables -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
The Untouchables
Sharing From Poverty -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Sharing From Poverty
Don't Know What You've Got -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
Don't Know What You've Got
Yes! -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Yes!

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Pentecost -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you.Lift up your hearts.
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Be still!
Lent 2 -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Like Abraham and Sarah,
Bulletin Insert for First Sunday in Advent for Year A -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
First Sunday In AdventAdvent Wreath ServiceReader A: Reader B:
Proper 5 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 50:7-15 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
Confession And Absolution
Worldwide Communion -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: The sinners, the saints; the broken, the whole:
Lent 3 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We come, our souls thirsting for God,
Bulletin Insert for Second Sunday in Advent for Year A -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 17-19 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Second Sunday In AdventAdvent Wreath Service Reader A:
Proper 6 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 11 -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Exodus 19:2-8a, Romans 5:1-8, Psalm 100 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
Confession And Absolution
Thanksgiving Sunday -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer focuses on food and God's gifts to us so while appropriate for Thanksgiving, this mig
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: On an ordinary Sunday, we come to worship God.
Lent 4 -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Here, in this place, with these people
Bulletin Insert for Third Sunday in Advent for Year A -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Third Sunday In AdventAdvent Wreath Service Reader A:
Proper 7/Pentecost 5/Ordinary Time 12 -- Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Romans 6:1b-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Christ The King (A) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
These prayers are specifically written for the last Sunday of the church year.
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: There is no one like you, God of Abraham and Sarah.
Lent 5 -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Here, we gather to worship God;
Bulletin Insert for Fourth Sunday in Advent for Year A -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Fourth Sunday In AdventAdvent Wreath Service Reader A:
Proper 8/Pentecost 6/Ordinary Time 13 -- Matthew 10:40-42, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Romans 6:12-23 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Greeting Of Peace P: From every land and nation, every city and home,
Christ The King (B) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: With joy and celebration,
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
A Chorale Service using hymns from around the world
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Eve for Year A -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Christmas EveService For The Christ Candle Reader A:
Proper 9 / Ordinary Time 14 / Pentecost 6 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Zechariah 9:9-12, Romans 7:15-25a -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Confession And Forgiveness

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
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Thanksgiving
14 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
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10 – Worship Resources
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Advent 1
30 – Sermons
90+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For November 30, 2025:
  • Time Change by Chris Keating. The First Sunday of Advent invites God’s people to tell time differently. While the secular Christmas machine keeps rolling, the church is called to a time of waiting and remaining alert.
  • Second Thoughts: What Time Is It? by Tom Willadsen based on Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
According to Martin Luther our thanksgiving is brought about only by justification by grace:

But bringing of tithes denotes that we are wholly given to the service of the neighbor through love…  This, however, does not happen unless, being first justified by faith. (Luther’s Works, Vol.9, p.255)

The Reformer also wants us to be happy, what with all the generous gifts we have been given.  He wrote:
Wayne Brouwer
A schoolteacher asked her students to make a list of the things for which they were thankful. Right at the top of Chad’s list was the word “glasses.” Some children resent having to wear glasses, but evidently not Chad! She asked him about it. Why was he thankful that he wore glasses?

“Well,” he said, “my glasses keep the boys from hitting me and the girls from kissing me.”

The philosopher Eric Hoffer says, “The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings!” That’s true, isn’t it?
William H. Shepherd
Christianity is, among other things, an intellectual quest. The curriculum to know God truly. The lesson plans interact creatively with other aspects of faith: worship is vain if not grounded in truth, while service is misguided if based on faulty premises. While faith certainly cannot be reduced to knowledge, it cannot be divorced from it, either.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (v. 6)

We just received word about the passing of our friend, Rosmarie Trapp. We had lost touch with her in recent years, so I was shocked when I stumbled onto her obituary in The New York Times from May 18, 2022.
David E. Leininger
John Jamison
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Reason for the Season" by David Leininger
"Time's Up" by John Jamison


What's Up This Week

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John Jamison
Object: The activity for this message is the Be Thank You! game.

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The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Rosemary was 33 years old. She'd been married to James for four years and they had two children, Sam who was two and the baby, Elizabeth, who was just three weeks old. Apart from the baby blues and extreme fatigue, both of which got her down a bit when James was at work, Rosemary was happy. They had recently moved to the London suburbs and James commuted each day by train.

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
This brief psalm is among the most familiar in the psalter, but that is primarily because its verses have been excerpted in so many hymns and liturgical texts. There is something to be gained from looking at Psalm 100 in its entirety, and trying to recover its ancient liturgical context.

James Evans
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (v. 6). What better way could there be for us to begin the Advent season than by focusing our prayers on peace? The word, shalom, translated "peace," means much more than the mere absence of conflict. And of course, it is not only Jerusalem that is in need of peace; the whole world needs the shalom that the psalmist dreams about. So perhaps we should expand the breadth of this prayer, and deepen it with our awareness of the various meanings of the Hebrew idea of peace.

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E)
Tony S. Everett
A popular skit at church camps involves about a dozen folks lined up side-by-side, looking anxious and frustrated facing the audience. Each person rests a left elbow on the right shoulder of their neighbor. Then, from left to right, each member asks, "Is it time yet?" When the question arrives at the end of the line, the last person looks at his/her wristwatch and responds, "No." This reply is passed, one-by-one each with bored sighs, back to the first questioner. After a few moments, the same question is passed down the line (left elbows remaining on the right shoulders).
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Just a few days before writing this message, I conducted a memorial service for a 60-year-old man who was the picture of health until three months before his death. He was active, vibrant, only recently retired, and looking forward to years of good life with his wife and family and friends. Nonetheless, pancreatic cancer had done its work, and quickly, and he was gone. It was the general consensus that it was too soon for his life to end; he was too young to die.
John W. Clarke
In this the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus begins to withdraw to the east side of the Sea of Galilee. He has fed the 5,000, and he has walked on water. The press of the crowds had become all consuming and he needs some solitude to prepare himself for what lay ahead. Considering that the crowds that followed him more than likely knew of the feeding of the 5,000, and some may even have heard of the miraculous walking on water, it is difficult to explain why in these verses, they would doubt anything he had to say -- but they do.
Robert R. Kopp
My favorite eighth grader just confessed his aspiration for becoming President of the United States.

When I foolishly asked the inspiration of his lofty goal, he replied, "Bill Clinton." Then my hormone-raging adolescent proceeded to list perceived presidential perks that have nothing to do with God or country.

My prayer list has been altered.

And my attitude about prayer in public schools has changed too.

I used to be against prayer in public schools.
John E. Berger
Thanksgiving, according to one newspaper columnist, has kept its original meaning better than any other holiday. That original meaning, he wrote, was family reunions around large dinner tables.

In contrast, Christmas has changed into Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Easter has come to emphasize new spring clothes and the Easter bunny. Even our national holidays -- Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day -- have become cook-outs and summer travel get-aways.
Mark Ellingson
Thanksgiving: How do we say thanks authentically and not lapse into the platitudes so often associated with this holiday? There are several dangers associated with the holiday. Ever since it was instituted as a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln, and even before when various state governors instituted it in their states, Thanksgiving has not been a strictly Christian holiday. There has been a lot of nationalism and self-congratulations associated with this day. What is the distinctively Christian way to give thanks to God for all the good things that we have?

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