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SermonStudio

Bringing Out The Best -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A wealthy businessman had acquired a Cremona violin, reportedly one of the best violins ever made.
Those New Cars! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Governor of Michigan was invited as a guest of honor to an automobile factory.
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.
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
It may seem rather startling to read in verse 20 of this passage that Isaac is forty years old when
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
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
Finally, There Is Hope -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The phrase, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast," says a lot.
27th Sunday After Pentecost Lutheran -- Jeremiah 26:1-6, Matthew 24:1-14 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 26:1--6
Food For Thought -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was a healthy controversy in England over a newspaper editorial that criticized a particular p
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.
Humorous One-liners -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A1. Prejudice is being down on what you're not up on.
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
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
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
Like A Candle -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Continued worship of God can be like making a candle.
Election Time -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was near election time when a pastor in Phoenix, Arizona, phoned the city's largest newspaper.
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)
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
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 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!"
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?
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
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Isaiah 44:6-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Jacob is on a journey from Hebron to Haran, Abraham's original home in northern Mesopotamia.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Clock Or A Compass? -- Mark 1:9-15 -- David T. Ball -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Do you all have your compasses with you? What? You don't have compasses?
Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Here's a fact about life: things change.
Practicing God's Presence -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
In the early years of the sixteenth century, a young adventurer named Nicolas Herman left his parent
God's Surprises -- Acts 10:44-48 -- Ron Lavin -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
God's Surprises
A Time For Us -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
In the musical, West Side Story, Leonard Bernstein's modern paraphrase of Romeo and Juliet
Lilies Of The Field -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In 1635, the Puritan clergyman, Roger Williams, was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony for promo
All That Goes Down Must Go Up -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- John T. Ball -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
We are now almost fifty days after Easter, days that were filled with the immediate presence of the
Unacceptable -- Mark 8:31-38 -- David T. Ball -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Going off to college can be an unsettling experience for Christian students.
Being What We Are -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Being What We Are
Looking In All The Wrong Places -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Author's Note: a fun way to animate this sermon might be to play sections of the several hit
Man Proposes; God Disposes -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Ron Lavin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Man Proposes; God Disposes
Modeling A Necessary Future -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
It was the custom in my friend's church for many years to have a week of family camp in the summer.
Letting Go And New Beginnings -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
It had been an exhausting climb up the mountain.
Selling Sin In A Celebrative Age -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Dialing the number of a large, well-known metropolitan church, the caller asked, "What time is your
No Substitute -- John 2:13-22 -- David T. Ball -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Jesus in the temple -- oh, didn't he show those money-changers who were desecrating the temple groun
Misled By Beauty -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
It seems to me that the so-called "reality" television shows that have proliferated on the airwaves
Our Prayers Are Our Thanksgiving -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it
Lord Of All! -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Ron Lavin -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
A post-resurrection story is told about Lazarus, the man Jesus brought back from the dead.
Let God Do The Rest -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Once there was a boy who loved to look at the birds of the air, the flowers of the field, and the cl
Water And Spirit -- John 3:1-17 -- George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
The story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night is familiar to most folks who have spent any time at
Taking A Necessary Step -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
The closeness between John the Baptist and Jesus can hardly be overemphasized.
It's About God -- John 3:14-21 -- David T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
I don't know how many foreign films you've seen -- subtitled in English, so that you hear the foreig
The God Of War And Peace -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
The United Methodists came out with their most recent hymnbook in 1989.
Proclaiming Jesus Christ -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
It is not easy to promote someone else. Human nature rises up against it.
It's Good To Know Who Is Calling -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
When I was a boy, our family used to have a parakeet.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Knowledge vs. Love -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
In the beginning they seemed normal enough.
"... But For The Grace Of God" -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
"Don't criticize another until you have walked a mile in his moccasins" is attributed to an old Indi
Heaven -- 1999
I watched them say good-bye for the last time.
Spiritual Life -- 1999
I was buying chemicals for use in our hot tub when the woman asked if I wanted a fragrance.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Joseph, Our Brother -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Joseph Bernardin was the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Chicago.
Keeping The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Take a day to nourish your soul. Keeping the Sabbath isn't about rules and restrictions.
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.
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.
A Die Hard? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Why are there people turned off by religion, Leon?

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Pamela J. Abbey -- 2001
Measure twice; cut once.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Holy FamilyCall To Worship
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
Proper 25 -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: The CommissionCall To Worship
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
Life On The Edge Of Faith -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Maundy Thursday Worship ServiceThe Opening Hymn
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
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
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.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Psalm 8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
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
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: Partnership With GodCall 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
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
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Suffering ServantCall To Worship
Proper 13 -- Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
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.
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: Rejoice In Your RedemptionCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: A Call To Prayer, Fasting, And RepentanceCall To Worship
Proper 5 -- Psalm 33:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance Jesus said: "Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away."

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Elena Delhagen
For May 19, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

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