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SermonStudio

Counting The Cost -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
This is the fourth and final Servant Song in Second Isaiah, and because of its content, it has been
Proper 19 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and his teaching ministry.
Third Sunday in Advent -- Zephaniah 2:14-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Can we believe that God is carrying on a war against all sinners?
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Transfiguration Sunday -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Perhaps some of you have seen Michelangelo's great marble statue of Moses.
Lost And Found -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
1. Text
First Sunday in Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Our biblical, Christian faith is basically a response to a story, to the story of what God has done
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme Jesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
In the prophecies of Second Isaiah, the Lord God declares, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neith
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Trinity Sunday -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Perhaps no doctrine of the Christian Church is more obscure in the minds of church-goers than is the
The Clever Crook -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
The preacher who confronts the three stated texts for this Sunday once again faces the confusing sit
Proper 21 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and his teaching ministry.
All Saints' Sunday -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
Do you ever feel like giving up on your Christian faith?
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
First Sunday after Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
There are times in the life of the world or of a nation when one individual changes the whole course
Rich Man, Poor Man -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Third Sunday in Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
On this third Sunday in Lent, all three of our lessons have to do with repentance, but we will look
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
As we all know, the book of the Acts of the Apostles forms the second volume, as it were, of Luke's
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
In biblical times, when a king was crowned in Israel, two acts took place.
A Decent Obsession -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
1. Text

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

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.
Finding Unity Through Christ -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Nature is filled with examples of how the world functions better when things come together and act a
Discipleship: The Beauty And The Cross -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
Once upon a time a bowl was born.
Grace To You, And Peace -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
The weeklong pastor's training event was about halfway through its course and the pastor coordinatin
Seeing And Not Being Seen -- John 12:20-33 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Toward the end of the last presidential campaign, I heard an amusing report on one of the cable news

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Focus On Behavior -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
When it comes to people that I know, I must confess that I have my likes and dislikes.
Gandhi -- 1999
Some memorable scenes from the great movie Gandhi:
Church -- 1999
The church of the New Testament is no longer a territorial church but a church of all people, a chur
Calming The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
The Lake of Galilee is on the northern end of the rift valley.
Revenge -- 1999
In an expose on television about Sobibor (sic), an Eastern Poland death camp, a Jew commented
Provincial Revelry -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, when I meet individuals who have traveled widely, people who have met and known others of many
A Different Celebration -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1999
In Mexico, it's not Santa Claus who delivers gifts. And it's not December 25 that is so important.
New Hope -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
Chiapas is one of the two poorest states in Mexico.
Mercy -- 1999
After a day of doing calls, counseling, meetings, and so forth, I removed my black suit coat only to
Homeless -- 1999
On December 28, 1984, National Public Radio reported that Jesse Carpenter was buried in Arlington Na
Tradition -- 1999
Reverend Richard Perry told the Iowa Synod in assembly about a man cutting off the end of a ham befo
Sucker! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Not often, Leon, do I recall overtly referring to other people as gullible individuals, but I know I
Giftedness -- 1999
On 60 Minutes there was a special about "Savant Syndrome." People who seem mentally challenge
Comfort -- 1999
Our maintenance man at the seminary fastened the large organ to the wall of the chapel with strong a
How We Are God's Tea Cups -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
The tea cup was stained.
Revival -- 1999
The Lutherans had a revival. The first night they even tried an altar call.
Innocence Regained? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Sometimes, Leon, my thoughts wander back to my childhood days when our family lived in a northern Il
An Hour To Think -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Constance Berg -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Tim wanted to get home. It would be so good to see Meg and the children again.
Treasures -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
A man bought a house.
Ministry -- 1999
There is a Mexican gardener at the Lutheran Center in Mexico City named Isidro Santiago who catechiz
Honor -- 1999
In Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Evita, which was made into a movie starring the infamous Mad
Treasure -- 1999
A thief cut out of an alarmed frame a $175,000 Monet painting from Fisher Community Center in Marsha
Disillusionment -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Would it not be a much better world in which to live if the world actually was more like we picture
Gifts -- 1999
Carolyn Rocco, daughter of the first president of our seminary, lost her stole at a restaurant and d
Commitment -- 1999
At the Kennedy Space Control Center there are signs which come on telling of the many countdown chec

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 14 -- Romans 10:5-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Theme: Salvation Is For AllCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Theme: Choose LifeCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 6 -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Proclaim The Good NewsCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Psalm 27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Our Wounds Are Healed -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Theme: We Will Serve The LordCall To Worship
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: The Coming Of The Holy SpiritCall To Worship
Proper 22 -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Theme: Unfaithful StewardsCall To Worship
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus Christ -- Lord Of All or Everlasting LoveCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Theme: When The Storms Overtake UsCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Theme: Working Together For GodCall To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: TemptationCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Lord Is My Shepherd -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 27 -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Theme: Encourage One AnotherCall To Worship
The Day Of Pentecost -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: The Gift Of The SpiritCall To Worship
Proper 22 -- Psalm 19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Theme: New Life In ChristCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Theme: Importance Of Personal RelationshipsCall To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Romans 5:12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: New BeginningsCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: Even In Our Distress, God Is ThereCall To Worship
You Are A New Creation -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 27 -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Theme: Be PreparedCall 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
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Easter 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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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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