Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Advent Sale - Save $131!
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Amazing Grace -- 1 Peter 3:15b -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
As the children note the blank sheet of white paper I have placed on the floor in front of them I as
Through The Eyes Of Love -- Ephesians 2:13-14a -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
This morning I have brought a small pair of binoculars and begin by asking the children, "How many o
A Basket Of Angels -- Matthew 28:2-3 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
It is Easter.
Don't Lose Your Marbles! -- 2 Timothy 1:7 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
As the children group themselves on the chancel steps, I hold up a muslin bag and shake it.
Crumbs -- Matthew 15:26-27 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
This is a difficult text even for adults.
No Strings Attached -- John 3:16 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"My stuffed cat, Cecil, and I would like to invite all the young people to come join us on the steps
Wings -- Luke 17:20-21 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Without a doubt, Julia was a caterpillar!
Listening -- Matthew 13:1-9 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Why are you here this morning?" I ask the children who have assembled on the chancel steps -- at my
Catfishing? -- Luke 5:3-9 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Would one of you hold this for me?" I extend a long plastic pole with a nylon line tied to one end
Tall Enough -- Psalm 121:1-2 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Is anyone here this morning who is eight years old?" One young lady, somewhat shyly, holds up her
Strength In Meekness -- Matthew 5:5 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"We have been talking about the Beatitudes the last few weeks.
Earthen Vessels -- 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"I've brought two small things this morning to pass around so you can look at them.
Living Water -- John 4:10 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
As the children gather on the steps they see I am holding a small cactus planted in a pot shaped lik
Masks -- 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Good morning, children! Some of you are laughing. Why is that?"
People And Pencils -- Matthew 18:21-22 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Suddenly it's September, which for many of us brings the beginning of school," I begin.
Alone -- Matthew 28:19-20 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"I've brought a big book with me today.
"Invisible" Milk -- Proverbs 29:20 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"I have a story to tell you this morning about something that happened when I was five.
Peanuts For Breakfast -- Romans 14:2-4a, 7-8 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
It seemed to me, as I thought about this text, that the best way to get its message across to young
Cows In Church -- Luke 2:7 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"We have some competition for our space on the chancel steps this morning.
Leaping On The Laundry -- Joshua 1:9 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"Is today a special day for someone in your family?" Heads nod eagerly; faces light up with knowing
Tears -- John 11:32-36 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"This morning I have brought something all of you will probably recognize.
Don't Run Away! -- Jonah 1:1-3a -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"How many of you have ever been asked to do something you didn't want to do?" Hands immediately fly
God Was A Child Too -- Luke 2:41-47 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
About twenty children have come forward at my invitation to sit on the chancel steps.
Rainbows -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"This morning I need all of you to help me understand a verse of scripture.
Turning Around -- Mark 1:14-20 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
As the children gather on the chancel steps, they sit down as usual.

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

SermonStudio

Hear A Just Cause, O LORD -- Psalm 17 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / OT 11 -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound?-- Romans 6:1b
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
...
Make A Joyful Noise To The LORD -- Psalm 100 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing ...
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / OT 33 -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
At that time Deborah, a prophetess ... was judging Israel.-- Judges 4:4
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on yo
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / OT 28 -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
Rejoice in the Lord always ... Let your gentleness be known to everyone....
I Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills -- Psalm 121 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
Epiphany 4 / OT 4 -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling blo
Save Me, O God, For The Waters Have Come Up To My Neck -- Psalm 69 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold ...
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / OT 20 -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
... the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.-- Romans 11:29
Advent 4 -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do Not Fret Because Of The Wicked -- Psalm 37 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers,
I Love You, O LORD -- Psalm 18 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help ...
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
See, I have given you every plant yielding seed ... you shall have them for food.
Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / OT 11 -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
...
Easter Day -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death.
I Will Sing Of Loyalty And Of Justice -- Psalm 101 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I will study the way that is blameless. When shall I attain it? ...
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / OT 33 -- Psalm 123 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of he
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me.
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / OT 28 -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
Then he said to his slaves, "The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy."
I Was Glad When They Said To Me -- Psalm 122 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!" ...
Epiphany 4 / OT 4 -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying....-- Matthew 5:2
Be Pleased, O God, To Deliver Me -- Psalm 70 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, make haste to help me! ... Let those be turned back

Drama

SermonStudio

It Used To Be The Two-Bottom Plow -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
Nothing hampers the move of God in a congregation more than the rigidity to religious traditions
The Ugly Duckling -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
This play may be presented as a unit, or divided up into Scene 1 and Scene 2 on consecutive Sunda
Through The Back Door -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
When Christians pray, the forces of evil tremble.
A Call To Worship -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
This drama, to be used at the beginning of the worship service, brings back into focus the real r
It's Called Forgiveness -- Matthew 6:14-15 -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
In the family of God, forgiveness is a command, not a choice.
When God Has Other Plans -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
Yielding to the plan of God for one's life is often difficult.
The Color Of Diversity -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
Diversity in life, especially in the body of Christ, is something to be welcomed and nurtured.
The Insignificant Valentine -- Karren Boehr -- 2000
The small, insignificant things people do in life often carry more impact than they realize.
The Boss -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Theme
On A Picnic -- Mark 7:1-23 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1999
Theme: Speaking about love is always a lot easier than loving.
Who Are You? -- John 1:6-8,19-28 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
ThemeKnowing who you are and who you aren't.Summary
The Way It Works -- Mark 6:1-6 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
ThemeHow is our forgiveness related to Jesus?Summary
All Things Well -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Theme:
The Meeting -- Luke 1:26-56 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
ThemeGreat faith encourages the worship of God.Summary
Transfigu-what? -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
ThemeHow does the transfiguration of Jesus affect us?Summary
Lust -- Mark 9:14-29 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1999
Theme
Forgive And Heal -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
ThemeJesus is God and proves it by forgiving sin and healing.Summary
Jesus' Visit -- John 20:19-31 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Theme
The Remote Revisited -- John 3:1-16 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
Theme
Greatness -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
Theme
The Cure For The Slump -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
ThemeIf we could talk to Jesus, how would that change us?Summary
The Birthday -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
ThemeThe Holy Spirit works to bring everyone to Jesus.Summary
Hell! -- Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Theme
The Shepherd, The Wolf, And The Sheep -- John 10:11-16 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
ThemeThe Good Shepherd, Jesus, will look after you if you know him.
Money Business -- John 1:1-18 -- Robert F. Crowley -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
ThemeGiving to others is the real spirit of Christmas.Summary

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

A different kind of King -- John 18:33-37 -- Dennis Koch -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The conversation about kingship between Pilate and Jesus
The existential, practical Trinity -- John 3:1-17 -- Dennis Koch -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The story of Nicodemus brings together the basic elements of
Proclaiming the incredible -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The point of the story for Mark appears not to be to signal
Reasonable doubt, irrefutable evidence -- John 20:19-31 -- Dennis Koch -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: In a narrative that intentionally describes appearances of the
Delayed hopes Ä devoutly trusted, divinely fulfilled -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Dennis Koch -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The elderly Simeon and Anna, both models of patient faith in
Reading the scriptures with open minds -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Dennis Koch -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Luke uses here a post-resurrection appearance story that, in
Jesus is the incarnate Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Dennis Koch -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The Word is God in his pre-Jesus existence and his coming
The self-sacrifice of the Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- Dennis Koch -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The focus of this passage is not the image of "sheep," which
God's Word in fullness and flesh -- John 1:1-14 -- Dennis Koch -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: John's reworking of this pre-Christmas hymn implies an irony:
The invisible God made visible in love -- John 15:1-8 -- Dennis Koch -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: This exhortation to love grounds human love in God's prior
News too good to keep -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Dennis Koch -- 1993
Gospel Note: The shepherds, having heard the angelic message, go to
The church as Christ's loving friends -- John 15:9-17 -- Dennis Koch -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Christ's love for his disciples mirrors the Father's love for
The followers of Christ as consecrated foreigners -- John 17:6-19 -- Dennis Koch -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: This passage is a portion of Christ's "high priestly," parting
Worship the Christ -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Why are they called "wise?" The wise men were more than men
The call to discipleship -- John 1:43-51 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Jesus calls Philip to follow him. Nathanael questions who
Leaving old occupations for a new profession -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark's version of how Peter and Andrew became Jesus'
The abundant, apparent authority of Jesus -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: As the reaction of the people both before and after this first
A message more important than miracles -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark reflects his characteristic viewpoint on miracles in
The secret that cannot be silenced or suppressed -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: This passage presents a conventional miracle story with Mark's
Divine activity, demonstrable authority -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark here records Jesus' forgiveness of a paralytic as well as
PRAYERS FOR THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
The Advent Wreath is a beautiful symbol of preparation during the season when we ready ourselves - s
Christmas Day -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
Pastor:Lord God, you have sent many messengers to your people.
Epiphany 7 -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
Assistant: One of the ways in which we understand that we are your people, O God, is to picture ours
Passion or Palm Sunday -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
(Based on a hymn text by Henry H. Milman)Assistant: Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Easter 7 -- C. David Godshall -- 1986
Pastor:

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day True faith always finds itself in conflict with falsehood.
Proper 24 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Psalm 119:97-104 -- James Evans -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Psalm 119 is well-known as the longest chapter in the Bible.
On Being Ready -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- 2006
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Fa
Access To God -- Mark 15:33-39 -- 2006
At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.
Advent 2 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
(See Christ The King/Proper 29, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Christ The King/Proper 29 -- Psalm 100 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2006
This brief psalm is among the most familiar in the psalter, but that is primarily because its verses
Proper 10 / Ordinary Time 15 / Pentecost 7 -- Psalm 119:105-112 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2006
Psalm 119 is a rich treasure trove of wisdom.
Christlike Humility/Obedient Unto Death -- Philippians 2:5-8 -- 2006
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not
God's Power -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- 2006
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Palm Sunday/Sunday Of The Passion -- Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Liturgy Of The Palms, Cycle A; see also The Re
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2006
The superscription to this psalm identifies its origins with David's prayer after the prophet Nathan
Proper 8 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Psalm 130 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2006
(See Lent 5, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)
First Sunday After Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 119:33-40 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2006
Like last week's selection from the opening portion of this same psalm, today's selection celebrates
Proper 5/Pentecost 3/Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 / Pentecost 20 -- Psalm 65 -- James Evans -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
(See Thanksgiving Day, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)
The Humble Exalted -- 2006
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has be
Advent 3 -- Isaiah 12:2-6 -- James Evans -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
(See Proper 28/Pentecost 26/Ordinary Time 33, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Psalm 149 (Proper 18 / Ordinary Time 23 / Pentecost 15) -- Psalm 149 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2006
(See All Saints, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 93 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary.
The Reconciliation That Leads To Peace -- Colossians 1:15-20 -- 2006
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Liberation -- Genesis 15:12-16 -- 2006
As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over
Palm Sunday/Sunday Of The Passion -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- James Evans -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Liturgy Of The Passion, Cycles A and B for alt
Lent 1 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
(See Advent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / Ordinary Time 14 -- Psalm 48 -- James Evans -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2006
Psalm 48 is a song of praise celebrating the presence of God.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Forecast -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedi
Is Your Reward Waiting? -- Matthew 6:2, 1 Corinthians 15:58 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
... they have received their reward.-- Matthew 6:2
Formula For Eternal Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
George lives in Fort Portal, a town on the western front of Uganda, some fifty miles from the Congo.
Simple Enough? -- John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
In the fall of 1862, the United States was reeling from one defeat after another at the hands of the
Bread Of Life -- John 6:24-35 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Do not spend your whole life working for, striving for, dreaming about food that will perish, but
Making Something Out Of Nothing -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- R. Kevin Mohr -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
Making something out of nothing. We often use that phrase in a negative sense.
Risk Takers -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
"Louise, can you and Pastor Hal come to Thanksgiving dinner at our house this Friday?
The Good Works We Leave Behind -- Acts 9:36-43 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
It's a poignant scene: the gathering place of mourners.
Slaves Set Free -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- David H. Webb -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2009
It is believed that the Passover was first celebrated on the very night that Israel was set free fro
The Assurance Of Things Hoped For -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2009
In the movie, Cast Away, Tom Hanks' character, Chuck, is stranded on a desert island in the P
Knowing Who's In Charge -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the crimina
What Does The Bible Say About Materialism? -- Matthew 6:19-33 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves
Christ: The Victor Over Death -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2009
In many ways, Nicholas Green was an ordinary seven-year-old boy, but he became a source of life for
Advocate And Redeemer -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Imagine the wind rushing through an open door while the roar of the propeller in an aging old Ford T
Namibia -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do peopl
A New Beginning -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- R. Kevin Mohr -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
I am a lousy typist. My keyboard skills are rudimentary and functional, at best.
Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
She stood peeking out from behind the curtains.
Look Who's Talking -- Acts 11:1-18 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Professional sports has no statistic for measuring talking.
God's Incredible Gift -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- David H. Webb -- Good Friday - B -- 2009
The servant song in our Old Testament lesson from Isaiah has been the traditional Old Testament read
Running With Perseverance -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
United Methodist Bishop, Robert Schnase, tells of his hobby as a "serious runner." He reports that p
Not Just Being Polite -- John 6:25-35 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come he
Television: The Plug-In Drug -- Matthew 6:22-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
The eye is the lamp of the body.
Don't Compromise Your Beliefs -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2009
William Jennings Bryan was truly a man who answered the call.
The End Of The Beginning -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Three decades ago my nephew, Nathaniel, was a toddler when he discovered the full moon for the first
Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how ofte

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Angels In Haunted Places -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Richard H. Gentzler, Jr.
Simpson -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.
Right Here In My Church -- Luke 1:47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
April McClure Stewart
The Rescuers -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no
Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs
A Time To Weep -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
Christina Berry
Making Mistakes -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and
Gram -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
William Bell
Been Baptized -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were op
How Big Is He? -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voic
Help In The Name Of The Lord -- Psalm 124 -- Sandra Herrmann, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
In 1972, I had the opportunity to go to the Soviet Union and get educational credit for the adventur
A New Spiritual Birth -- John 3:1-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born o
Together Again -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Barbara Frank
If Not Higher -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
"And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of thes
Come, Thou Almighty King -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with
Response -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Marie Regine Redig
Rag Pickers Of Juarez -- John 4:5-42 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,'
Kristina's Angel -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Theresa Hammerquist
Breaking The Stone -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary we
Identifying With Suffering -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham.
The Winds Of God -- Romans 13:8-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Larry WinebrennerMy grandmother was an unforgiving woman.
Daniel -- John 9:1-41 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on t
Your Dad Likes You -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Kathleen A. "Kit" Slawski
Out Of Africa -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so tha
Welcome To The Family -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

A Christmas Journey: A Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols -- Rod Tkach -- 2006
Order of ServiceGathering Music
Second Sunday In Advent -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Second Sunday In AdventFor Luke 3:1-6
Call To Worship -- John 11 -- 2006
"I am the resurrection and the life," said Jesus to his friend, Martha, whose brother had died.
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 5:11-14Theme: Now That's Entertainment
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34Theme: No More Sour Grapes
Reformation Sunday -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Romans 3:19-28Theme: Rock Solid And Sure
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:1-6Theme: Get Ready For GodCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21Theme: No Peeking
Proper 13/Ordinary Time 18 -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 3:1-11Theme: Reading Our Own Obituary
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 60:1-6Theme: Witness To The Light
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 14:8-17 (25-27)Theme: ChooseCall To Worship
Christmas Letters: Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols -- Rod Tkach -- 2006
Order of ServiceGathering MusicSinging Of Christmas Carols
Third Sunday In Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Third Sunday In AdventFor Zephaniah 3:14-20
Call To Worship -- Matthew 11 -- 2006
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "Come to me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you res
Third Sunday Of Easter -- John 21:1-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 21:1-19Theme: Love StoryCall To Worship
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5Theme: The Other 3:16
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 8:31-36Theme: Here's The Key -- Let Yourself Out
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20Theme: Even So!
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 26:1-11Theme: The Father We All Share
Proper 13/Ordinary Time 18 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:13-21Theme: Wise FoolCall To Worship
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 3:1-12Theme: Mystery Solved
The Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31Theme: Roll Call
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Third Sunday In AdventFor Isaiah 12:2-6
Call To Worship -- Philippians 1:18b-23 -- 2006
In his letter to the Philippian church, the Apostle Paul writes about his experience of being in pri
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 9:36-43Theme: What We Really Miss

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

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

CSSPlus

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

* * *

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?

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL