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Change -- Isaiah 43:19 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Do you notice anything different this morning? Has anything been changed?
God Looks At The Heart -- 1 Samuel 16:7 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
The Bible tells us a story about a time when Israel needed a new king.
Serendipity! -- Matthew 6:33 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
There are some words in the English language that are just plain fun to say and hear.
Judge Not -- Matthew 7:1-5 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I would like to tell you a story this morning about a brother and a sister, Mary and Jack.
Expectations -- Romans 15:7 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
How many of you love to go to school? Raise your hands. Suppose you loved to go school.
Something To Hang On To -- 2 Corinthians 12:9a -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Have you ever seen any of these? (Display poles.) Do you know what they are used for?
Gifts For Mom -- Proverbs 31:28 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Today is a special day for us. Who knows what today is?
The Inside And The Outside -- 1 Corinthians 15:50 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Let's see what we've got in here. A bar of soap, what do we do with this?
Thanks, Dad -- Exodus 20:12 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
There are many special days in a year and today is one of those days. Who knows what today is?
The Right Answer -- Lamentations 3:24 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
You are going to have to think this morning in order to help me with our lesson.
Remembering Something Important -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Have you ever taken a picture of someone or something?
Nothing Is Impossible With God -- Luke 1:37 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I know it's not Christmastime, but this morning we are going to talk about the very beginning of the
Rise Again! -- Matthew 28:5-6 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I want you to watch my hands as I talk this morning. Are you watching?
Where Do Our Words Come From? -- Matthew 12:34b -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Where do words come from? When you say something, where do you get the words? (Children respond.
Spice It Up -- Matthew 5:13 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
What kinds of foods do you like to put salt on? (Children respond.
The Messenger -- Luke 2:8-14 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Christmas is coming! You can feel it in the air.
Sharing The Warmth -- 1 John 4:21 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
When you have been out in the snow building a snowman and you come inside with wet mittens and a red
I'm Somebody! -- Luke 2:8-11 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Look at my little shepherd friend here.
Harmony -- Colossians 3:14 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Music has a lot to teach us about how to get along with one another.
Giving What You've Got -- Luke 2:1-14 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Help me remember some of the characters from the Christmas story.
The Power Source -- Acts 1:8 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
(Display battery.) Do you know what this is? It's a battery. What do batteries do?
The Kite And The Sailboat -- Romans 8:28 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Has anything bad ever happened to you?
The Call To Follow -- Matthew 4:19, Matthew 16:24 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls.
Be A Doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Erskine White -- 1997
Last week we talked about ghosts and how hard it was for even Jesus’ best friends to believe that He
Sacrificial Giving -- Mark 12:43 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. What does it mean to be poor?

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Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / OT 14 -- Psalm 45:10-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you
Vindicate Me, O God, And Defend My Cause -- Psalm 43 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;
Unless The LORD Builds The House -- Psalm 127 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
The Earth Is The LORD's -- Psalm 24 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it,
Epiphany 6 / OT 6 -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
... I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.
Epiphany 6 / OT 6 -- Psalm 119:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / OT 9 -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / OT 30 -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
My Heart Is Steadfast, O God -- Psalm 108 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
My heart is steadfast, I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul ...
I Love The LORD, Because He Has Heard My Voice -- Psalm 116 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
When I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest,
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 148 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are r
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / OT 22 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.-- Psalm 105:4
In Judah God Is Known, His Name Is Great In Israel -- Psalm 76 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.
Lent 1 -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
"Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "W
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / OT 14 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
...
We Have Heard With Our Ears, O God -- Psalm 44 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
We have heard with our ears, O God, our ancestors have told us,
Happy Is Everyone Who Fears The LORD -- Psalm 128 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Happy is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways ...
To You, O LORD, I Lift Up My Soul -- Psalm 25 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach my your paths.
Epiphany 6 / OT 6 -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people
The Holy Trinity -- Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!-- Psalm 8:9
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / OT 30 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
... we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts.
Do Not Be Silent, O God Of My Praise -- Psalm 109 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me ...
Christmas 1 -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Easter 3 -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were a

Drama

SermonStudio

Josiah Speaks: An Ancient King Brings Greetings -- 2 Chronicles 34:8-14, 29-33 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
The Bible Study -- Matthew 10:24-33 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
Theme
O. J. T. -- Matthew 10:34-42 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
Theme
Saturday Night At The Fights -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Marriage, marriage battles, dysfunctional couples, relationships, arguments
The Fool On The Hill -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Spiritual power, prayer, wisdom, seekingCharacters: Woman and a guru
The Night Talker -- John 3:1-17 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Theme
Jesus Is Alive and Well -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
Jesus is alive and well. I know, for I saw Jesus face to face.
The Future Of The Church! A Speech By Barney Willis -- Matthew 11:25-30 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1998
Theme
Get With The Program -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Ambitions, organization, potential, career, budgeting
The Mission -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Evangelism, soulwinning, evangelism programs, evangelism training, prayer
A Drink Of Water -- John 4:5-42 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Theme
A Light Verse -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
ThemeDoes knowing Jesus change a person's life?Summary
Born Leader -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Unselfishness, head of church, leadership, ministry teams, servanthood, dictator
Because It Is There -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Obstacles, trials, troubles, preparationCharacters: 2 males
A Blind Man Sees -- John 9:1-38 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Sometimes the blind can see better than those who have sight.Summary
The Lesser Commission -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
ThemeDoubting what the Lord says is not a recent phenomenon.
Fruit Or Twinkies? -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Fulfillment through the fruit of the spiritCharacters: Husband and wife
It's A Dog's Life -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Friendship, relationship, appreciation, responsibility,
Talk Show II -- John 11:1-44 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Theme
Orders Are Orders -- Luke 2:1-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
Theme
Here I Am, Lord; Send Somebody Else! -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Missions, inner-city, summer missionsCharacters: 4
The Lord, The Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Theme: The baptism of the Holy Spirit for service.Summary:
Pass The Buck -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Responsibility of knowing Christ, salvation, temptation, evangelism
AIDS -- Matthew 5:21-24, 27-30, 33-37 -- Robert F. Crowley -- 1998
ThemeBelievers stumble too. How does a believer handle that?Summary
Everybody Plugs Into Something -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Salvation

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Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17 -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6 -- Psalm 30 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2006
(For alternative approaches, see Easter 3, Cycle C, and Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Ordinary Time 14, Cy
The Baptism Of Our Lord/Epiphany 1/Ordinary Time 1 -- Psalm 29 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Baptism Of Our Lord, Cycle B, and Trinity
Lent 1 -- Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
(See Proper 21/Pentecost 19/Ordinary Time 26, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv.
Spiritual Hunger Satisfied/Tears Wiped Away -- Revelation 21:1-8 -- 2006
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away
Proper 5 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Psalm 138 -- James Evans -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2006
Attempting to use mere language to discuss and describe the workings of God is not an easy task.
Proper 6/Pentecost 4/Ordinary Time 11 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2006
The lectionary editors' decisions as to the carving of biblical texts are not always well advised.
We Can Trust Jesus' Words -- John 7:14-17 -- 2006
Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17 -- Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2006
(See Proper 14/Pentecost 12/Ordinary Time 19, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv.
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Psalm 1 -- James Evans -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2006
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Seeking And Finding Understanding -- Proverbs 2:1-8 -- 2006
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom an
Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 41 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2006
This psalm is often identified as a prayer of individual thanksgiving but it reads more as a plea fo
Advent 2 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2006
(See The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle A, and The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle B, for alternative ap
Lent 2 -- Psalm 27 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
(See Epiphany 3/Ordinary Time 3, Cycle A, for verses 1, 4-9.)
Streets Of Gold/Beauty In The Next Life -- Revelation 21:9-27 -- 2006
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to m
Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 11 -- Psalm 20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2006
Among the greatest political speeches ever written is Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Good Friday -- Psalm 22 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Good Friday - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Good Friday, Cycle B; Lent 2, Cycle B; and Pro
Do We Really Believe? -- John 11:20-27 -- 2006
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Forgiving requires a very special sort of forgetting.
Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17 -- Psalm 128 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2006
This Psalm is difficult to preach in our modern culture, because of the central section (vv.
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Psalm 124 -- James Evans -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
(See Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)
Seasons Of Life/The Beauty Of A Simple Life/A Heart For Eternity -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 -- 2006
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born a
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 / Pentecost 9 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day In God's eyes, we are worth more than we could ever know.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

No Salt In The City? -- Matthew 5:13 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restore
When God Measures The Church -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2009
We begin to hear about prophets in the Bible after Israel convinced God to let them have a king.
The Final Word -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Scott Suskovic -- All Saints Day - C -- 2009
...
Clearing Out The Pipes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John S. Smylie -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent, is a time when we have an opportunity to squarely fa
The Story That Shapes Us -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Nancy Kraft -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Note: This sermon is intended to be presented before the reading of the Passion narrative
The Divine Deal ... -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Ken Lentz -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
The priest challenged the rabbi at lunch: "Rabbi Cohen, when are you going to eat a piece of this de
The Heart Of The Matter Is The Heart! -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Praying In Boldness And Faith -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2008
It is the holiest of days.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! -- Mark 1:9-15 -- John S. Smylie -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Mark doesn't waste any time getting us involved in the beginning of our Lord's ministry.
On The Night When He Was Betrayed -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Nancy Kraft -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2008
Have you ever been betrayed by one of your closest friends?
The Real Underdog! -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
Every boy I knew growing up in the Midwest loved this story. We acted it out.
Worth The Wait -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Robert J. Elder -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
... I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day ...
Light In Darkness, Speech From Silence -- Isaiah 9:2-7, John 1:1-14 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back.
God, The Good Ally -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Ken Lentz -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
A group of American tourists once listened to a story told by their Jewish guide.
The Inconcealable Christ! -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
He could not keep his presence secret.-- Mark 7:24
Filling The Job Description -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
It was probably one of the most difficult and certainly one of the most embarrassing moments of my l
The Elephant In The Living Room -- Mark 8:31-38 -- John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
There are times when we do everything we can to avoid the obvious.
How Do We Make Sense Of This? -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Nancy Kraft -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
Good Friday is a hard day. It's depressing and it's confusing.
Getting Through The Grief -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2008
Getting through grief may be one of the hardest things we do as human beings.
The Thoughts Of Our Hearts -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Robert J. Elder -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
Luke wrote his gospel to a man we know only by name.
Ironies, Contrasts, Paradoxes, And Reversals -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
Saint Luke's narrative of the Christmas story has been read and heard and cherished this season in m
Hope Lifted Up -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Ken Lentz -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
It was a mystery.
The Great Inescapable Question Of Eternity -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
Who do you say I am? -- Mark 8:29
Interceding For Us Now -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
Heads bowed, hands clasped, the words are spoken softly and gently.
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Forsaken? -- Psalm 22 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
Judith B. Brain
A Prayer For Help -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia C. Joyce -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
On May 3, 2002, I was engaged to narrate the historical Williamsburg tour.
Peace with the FHP -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
This text includes a reference to all three persons of the Trinity.
Pure Blood -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
The following is a discussion about blood -- human blood -- and if you can get over the ick factor a
Stranger On A Fence Post -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- John E. Sumwalt, Bonnie Compton Hanson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Pulling his coat tight against the bitter wind, the old man stopped at the crest of Blue Bank Hill,
How Can I Do This? -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kai M. Mcclinton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
In 1995, at the age of 25, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
The Stuttering Syndrome -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Sean Lebowitz is an eighteen-year-old freshman at SUNY-Binghampton. He is also a stutterer.
A Song Of Mary -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
During the fourteenth century, the greatest pestilence swept through Europe that has ever been recor
An Offer Of Comfort -- Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lori Hetzel -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Not more than two months after my mother passed away, and I had my vision, I went to the grave of my
The Re-gifting Dilemma -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
I confess.
I Saw The Lord -- Isaiah 6:1-8, 9-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bill Penaz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
In 1965, I attended a Lenten worship service at my church.
God's Resolutions -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Last year, I decided to get in better shape.
On The Transplant List -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
In August of 1988, Shelly Arrollo was told by doctors that she had a rare disease called "polyarteri
Healing -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Robert Murdock -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
In the fall of 1999, I went into the hospital, supposedly for just a couple of days, only to find ou
Cheerleading At Christmas -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Cheerleading is big -- especially in Texas and Oklahoma.
The Gift Of Trees -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Pamela J. Tinnin -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
I remember the first time I planted trees.
The Voice Of The Broken Branch -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall
Fake Fire -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
I live in Colorado, a beautiful place to live.
Cigarette Taxes And Toy Bears -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Come July 1 of every year, new laws go into effect in many states across the country.
The Silver Wolf -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
It was June 16, 1998.
The Holy Land Experience -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
No one in their right mind would want to visit the Holy Land now.
God Stories -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Snyder Stout -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
My father was my life, and in 1989 he and Mom came to live with me, literally to die.
A Tender Mercy -- Luke 1:68-79 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jenee Woodard -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Our son Phil has autism. He is ten years old and is severely handicapped by his disability.
The Super Cell Phone -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
My youngest daughter and I traveled to Hong Kong not long ago.
The Presence Of Angels -- Genesis 18:1-10a -- John E. Sumwalt, Jeanne Jones -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonat

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

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Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 5/Ordinary Time 10 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:11-17Theme: Believe It Or Not!
A Service For Hunters -- Frank Ramirez -- 2006
One: We have come to the season of harvest, and have gathered many good things grown in the s
Responsive Reading -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, 11 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: For everything there is a season,
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10Theme: The Meaning, With Interpretations
First Tomato, First Apple, First Fruits -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 62:6-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 62:6-12Theme: Looking Back To Look Forward
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 14:23-29Theme: I Need A Hero
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17Theme: Joy In Healing
Christmas Eve -- Psalm 96 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas EveFor Psalm 96
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joshua 5:9-12Theme: Today I Have Taken Away Your Shame
Proper 6/Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21aTheme: Justice Or Just Us?
Responsive Reading -- John 6:51-58 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: God, the Father, sent his Son to die for our sins and give us an eternal home in heaven.
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31aTheme: Eye, Ear, Nose, And Throat
Proper 27/Ordinary Time 32 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 20:27-38Theme: Smart Aleck Questions, Smart Answers
Christmas Day -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Titus 3:4-7Theme: The Hope Of Eternal Life
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: View From A Height
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 2:4-13Theme: Memory AidCall To Worship
Christmas Eve -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- 2006
Christmas EveFor Titus 2:11-14
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21Theme: Ambassadors Of Hope
Proper 6/Ordinary Time 11 -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 2:15-21Theme: The Past Through The Present
Responsive Reading -- Isaiah 61:1-2 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Reader: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me;
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:14-21Theme: True Is True
Proper 28/Ordinary Time 33 -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25Theme: Sweeping Changes
Christmas Day -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20Theme: The Present You Never Dreamed Of
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23Theme: That's Him!

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Christ the King Sunday
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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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