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SermonStudio

Do You See The King? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Just to get perspective, Matthew records about fifteen parables in his Gospel.
Kindness -- Emily Dickinson -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Emily Dickinson wrote, "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain: if I can ea
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to rem
Father's Day And The Trinity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Trinity: three in one,John was a man's son.
27th Sunday After Pentecost Lutheran -- Jeremiah 26:1-6, Matthew 24:1-14 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 26:1--6
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
There is no doubt, according to the stories that we find in Exodus, that the unfaithfulness of Israe
Finally, There Is Hope -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The phrase, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast," says a lot.
Humorous One-liners -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A1. Prejudice is being down on what you're not up on.
The Prince Of Peace 2 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At the close of World War I, there was a meeting of world leaders to discuss the future.
Try, Try Again -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A child prayed: "O God, make me a good girl, and if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again."
Your Money Or Your Life -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
As with other parables of Jesus, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is best understood in its w
Let's Roll! (No Greater Love Than This ...) -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The last words of Todd Beamer of Cranbury, New Jersey, from United Airlines flight 93 to his wife ma
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
In the scriptures, the first five books of the Old Testament, or the Pentateuch, are sometimes calle
Food For Thought -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was a healthy controversy in England over a newspaper editorial that criticized a particular p
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1--21 (C)
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Isaiah 55:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
At the command of God (Genesis 31:13), Jacob is returning to Canaan from Haran after twenty years of
Election Time -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was near election time when a pastor in Phoenix, Arizona, phoned the city's largest newspaper.
A Child's Prayer For A Bicycle -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The little boy was praying quite loudly: "Oh, God, I would like to have a new bicycle!"
The Print Of The Nails -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The blind hymn writer, Fannie Crosby, gave an answer to a critic on how a blind person could believe
A New Sunday School Building -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At the ground-breaking ceremony for a new Sunday school building, children were also given the oppor
What Will Become Of This Child? -- Luke 1:67-80 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Four hundred years is a long time to wait, don't you think?
Like A Candle -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Continued worship of God can be like making a candle.
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
This text in Genesis 12 is one of the most important passages in the Bible for it lays the foundatio
For A Dead Rabbit? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was the season of the year when snow melts and springtime rains had raised the nearby stream to f
For Thoughtful Worship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On the dossal cloth behind the central altar of the New Haven United Methodist Church in Indiana, ar

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Ashes For Remembering -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Ashes For Remembering
Birthpangs Of The New Age -- Romans 8:22-23 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
It may surprise you to know that from time to time, ministers get complaints.
Living With Money -- And Still Being Christian -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
News from the financial section of the paper is seldom as interesting as whatever's on the front pag
A Double Share Of The Spirit -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2005
A Double Share Of The Spirit
Speaking With Prophetic Authority -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
"Free at last, free at last -- thank God Almighty, we are free at last." These words were spoken by
A Funeral For "I Can'ts" -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Ron Lavin -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
A Funeral For "I Can'ts"
In Solidarity With Jesus -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2005
"Rags, rags!
Day One: A New Beginning -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Day One: A New Beginning
Parades And Crosses -- The Challenge Of Ministry -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
He had grown up in a fashionable suburb of a large American city, a cosmopolitan area of considerab
The Strange Economy In The Kingdom Of God -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2005
I saw one of those Far Side-type cartoons a while back that showed Adam and Eve being expelle
When Nothing Is Sacred -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Stan Purdum -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
The television season of 1997-1998 included a series on ABC called Nothing Sacred.
Sharing The Message Of Christ -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
They called her "Sister" and to many thousands who jammed the Angelus Temple in Los Angeles on a reg
What Part Of "You Shall Not" Don't You Understand? -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
What Part Of "You Shall Not" Don't You Understand?
Like A Child -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Angela was still a pre-schooler the Christmas Grandpa Harvey got her the red Radio Flyer wagon, and
Having The Last Word -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
The Wizard of Id comic strip characterizes a feisty little fellow as the despotic ruler of th
Looking To The Unseen -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
It once was reported on the news that one of our Mariner spacecraft was expected to make a new disco
Far From The Obscuring Crowd -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
More than forty years ago, an accidental chemical spill robbed Antonio Sanchez-Migallon of his sight
Time For A New Wardrobe -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2005
Time For A New Wardrobe
The Compassion Of Christ -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time, there was a city which was adorned by a beautiful statue.
Rebellion, Renewal, And Rebirth -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Ron Lavin -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
A French Bishop once told a story to a vast audience about a rebellious group of boys who stood outs
Power And Compassion -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2005
Many of you may remember from your grade school days a novel by Mark Twain titled, The Prince and
Does Easter Make A Difference? -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Ron Lavin -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
A bully in a small town resented the man everyone looked up to as the wisest man in town.
No-fault Religion -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
It happened in a church parking lot, and my friend saw it happen.
The Kin Of Qoheleth -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
Today's Gospel Reading is from Mark, but I want to begin in the Old Testament.
Time To Come Home -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Time To Come Home

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Close In Heart -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Whenever I think of Katy, I think of God's perfect timing.
A Widow's Might -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
Ada's husband had died three years ago.
A "Centering" Place -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Four decades ago when we purchased our lake property, hundreds of miles from our home then, I wonder
Foundation -- 1999
I saw today a very heavy trailer of a tractor-trailer combination without the tractor parked on an a
Renewal -- 1999
In Harry DeCarlo's restaurant in Des Moines, I noticed a box of Twix candy bars with the following s
Knowledge vs. Love -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
In the beginning they seemed normal enough.
Character -- 1999
The May 2, 1997, Antioch Ledger Dispatch told of an overturning in Oakland, California, "When
Lost And Found -- 1999
My outboard motor, which had been stolen, was repurchased in a sting operation by the police and I n
Glory Be: The Personal In Life! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Several times recently I have remarked to friends that I would find teaching now much more difficult
Help -- 1999
In Tampa harbor one of the ships began to "list" badly.
Stewardship -- 1999
Bill Moyers on CBS news talked of the United States Congress overriding sanctions on Central America
Marked By The Cross Of Christ Forever -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Blaine sat in the chair, waiting for the doctor to tell him what the problem was.
God Was On Her Side -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
Brianna was nervous. This was a big step for her. One of the biggest steps she would ever take.
Busy -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
"How have you been?""Busy!""What did you do over the weekend?"
Freedom -- 1999
Ralph Klein told the Senior Pastors Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, that the custom of raising th
Rescue -- 1999
CNN called John Freese, of the American Embassy in Liberia, a hero.
The Church Still Lives -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
I was the only former church leader present at the closing ceremony of the tiny country church.
The Christ -- 1999
During the sermon at Saint John's Lutheran in Des Moines, Iowa, a homeless vagrant came through the
Love -- 1999
On the sitcom Night Court, Dan Fielding was in the hospital, close to death, and had partiall
Something's Missing ... -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
When Todd was four years old, he loved to play T-ball.
Christian Family -- 1999
I like being a Christian because everywhere I travel I'm family at once.
Luther -- 1999
Today is Saint Martin's Day (Nov.
A Die Hard? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Why are there people turned off by religion, Leon?
History -- 1999
According to the Minnesota Star newspaper, they train the Metro Transit Authority bus drivers
Suffering -- 1999
When flying into Stapleton Airport this morning, we took a very bad jolt.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Theme: Is The Lord Among Us Or Not?Call To Worship
Proper 25 -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
First Sunday After Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Holy FamilyCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: Servant LeadershipCall To Worship
Proper 13 -- Romans 9:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Theme: For Whom Are The Promises Of God?Call To Worship
Life On The Edge Of Faith -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Maundy Thursday Worship ServiceThe Opening Hymn
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: We Behold His GloryCall To Worship
Proper 5 -- Romans 4:13-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Promises Fulfilled Through FaithCall To Worship
Cousin Jochaved A Heart Prepared -- Luke 2:6-7 -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
I'm so glad that census is over.
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Theme: True WorshipCall To Worship
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 21 -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Theme: Shining As Lights In The WorldCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: Partnership With GodCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas -- Psalm 8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- Psalm 116 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 13 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Theme: Caring For The Needs Of OthersCall To Worship
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Psalm 99 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 5 -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Theme: Through Faith We Are HealedCall To Worship
A Shepherd Night Watch -- Luke 2:8-15 -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
It began as a night just like any other night.
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Theme: True Wisdom Of GodCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Messengers Come To Us In Our Time Of IndecisionCall To Worship
Proper 21 -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Theme: Testing Our Profession Of Faith By Our DeedsCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Work In UsCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: Rejoice In Your RedemptionCall To Worship
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Suffering ServantCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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John Jamison
Object: An orange and a lemon that are about the same size and shape, a knife, a cutting board, orange and yellow paint, and some paper towels. Prepare the fruit by painting the lemon orange, and the orange, yellow. The more alike they look, the better.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 11, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
Tinkerbell is the delightful sprite in Peter Pan who drifts between the world of senses and the world of magic. She sprinkles “fairy dust” to make children fly; she sparkles around Peter Pan as a comrade adventurer.

Once, in one episode of a televised version of Peter Pan, Tin­kerbell ingested some poison. There was nothing to be seen of her, tiny thing that she was, other than the brightness of her little light. But with the poison, her light began to fade. Before our very eyes she grew dimmer, pulsing with a weakening glow.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 9:36-43
Cryonics is an interesting and, if I’m honest, disturbing practice. You might be wondering, what is cryonics? The aim of cryonics, according to Dennis Kowalski, the president of the Cryonics Institute in Michigan, is to “keep bodies in a stable, preserved state until the necessary medical technology arrives.” As of June 1, 2024, there were about five hundred people who have tried to keep themselves preserved for future medical advances to revive.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hello, Peter. Come on in to the office,” Pastor Carl held open the door for him. “Oh, don’t worry about your shoes.”

“They’re muddy and I really should take them off,” Peter said. “Besides if I don’t, I’ll be hearing my mother’s voice telling me to take them off before coming into your office.”

Pastor Carl smiled. “Fair enough.”

After a few moments, Peter took the offered seat across from Pastor Carl.

“So how are you finding our church?” Pastor Carl asked. “I know you mentioned we’re a bit more casual and smaller than you are used to.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said that he gives eternal life to those who follow him. As we worship God today, let us believe in his words so that we too may enjoy the Life that he offers.



Invitation to Confession:

 Jesus, sometimes we leave you out of our lives.
Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we are disappointed because you don't answer prayers in the way that we wish.
Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we refuse to believe that you still act in our lives today.

SermonStudio

David E. Leininger
Women have always been uniquely important in the life of the church, whether or not men want to admit it. It started with Mary. Women were accorded special status during Jesus' ministry; in fact, it was probably women who were major financial supporters of the itinerant rabbi and his friends. Women were the first witnesses to the resurrection. This is not a feminist statement but a factual statement: from the first day to this day, if it were not for the women, there would be no church. It is that simple.

Donald Charles Lacy
History shows that people are invariably looking for Messiahs or Christs. There is that special person who is to come among them and, in a sense, do for them what they cannot do for themselves. Even for years after our Lord arose from the dead and ascended -- yes, and still at this moment -- people are looking.

Henry F. Woodruff
Now you can't even trust the police. When I was a child growing up in Texas, everyone knew how to spot the police cars: they were big old Ford Crown Victorias, painted black with white doors, sporting black wall tires with little moon hubcaps -- or, if they really wanted to be sneaky and fool you, they were big old Ford Crown Victorias painted gray, with whip antennas and license plates that read "City" on them. You could bet the farm on it. Now all that has changed. Police cars are all different makes and models and colors.
Clyde W. Wentzell
1. O my Good Shepherd, O Lord of my soul,
Keep me forever beneath your control.
In right paths lead me for your name’s sake.
All the best choices, Lord, help me to make.

2. When through dark valleys my walk is severe,
Keep me from evil, Lord, ever be near.
Your rod and staff, my discipline be,
O my Good Shepherd, keep watch over me.

3. You spread a table of bountiful store.
Rich are your mercies and love evermore.
Oil on the head, anointing most pure,
Flows in abundance as your love is sure.

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