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A Decent Obsession -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
1. Text
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.
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Christians live under new conditions.
Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
The subject for this Sunday, as set forth in the accompanying New Testament texts, is baptism, the b
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
The Uncaring Judge -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- 2003
Darkness and light. The Bible constantly speaks of those two conditions.
Proper 24 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and his teaching ministry.
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Endings can be sad.
Christ the King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Both Luke (15:3-7; 19:10) and John (10:11-12) characterize our Lord as the Good Shepherd.
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Two Men At Prayer -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
1. Text
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
The same Old Testament text is used for Maundy Thursday in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
We have a crowd here today on this Easter Sunday. Churches are always crowded on Easter.
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Two Men In Debt -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - B -- 2003
All of us know that there are proper times to do and say certain things.
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
"We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Post-Resurrection Catch -- John 21:1-14 -- John W. Wurster -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

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
A Sense Of Place -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
In one of his books, writer Scott Russell Sanders tells that whenever his father would come to new p
Precious And Privileged Children -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
The remarkable world of children has always fascinated me.
Following A God Who Flip Flops ... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Following A God Who Flip Flops ...
Jesus Is The Recipe For Eternal Life -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Scientists tell us that if you take six molecules of carbon dioxide and combine it with twelve molec
Accepting The Lord Once Again -- John 1:1-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2005
He came softly, unobserved and yet, strange to say, everyone knew him.
On Having A Good Church Fight -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Today's scripture from 1 John is one of the treasures of all the New Testament.
Momentous Moment -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- David T. Ball -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
When visiting another church one time, a thought occurred to me as I waited in my pew for communion
The View From Michal's Window -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 or Genesis 25:19-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
The View From Michal's Window
Deep Calling To Deep -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Wow, our text is not only challenging, it is a momentous portion of scripture that keeps spreading a
Anticipation -- Mark 13:32-27 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
To say that to live between the advents is to live in anticipation is really redundant.
False Prophets -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
False Prophets
Make The Most Of God's Gifts -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John Harding had it all; his credentials were impeccable. He had a wonderful family.
A Promise Fulfilled: A Gift Given -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
During the last years of the Roman Empire, in the city of Myra, the regional bishop died.
Salvation Is A Journey, Not An Arrival -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In this Information Age, we find summaries of the news helpful.
The Quiet Day Of Pentecost -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Pentecost is a celebration of the church's beginning.
The Maybe Moment -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
The Maybe Moment
Training For A Purpose -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Some years ago, many of us, like others before and after, went through basic training or boot camp.
Assurance -- Psalm 85 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
We live our lives suspended somewhere between a period and an ellipsis.
A Sure-Fire Way To End Burn Out -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
We live in a crazy time.
God Our Protector And Shield -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
James Gillis, a priest and writer in the mid-twentieth century, became well known as a commentator o
Faith As Alternating Current -- 1 John 3:16-20 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Some troublesome things about the Christian life are its mood swings.
Lord Of The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading shows Jesus in a position of conflict with the religious leaders of his day, a po
Leaping From Recognition Point -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Leaping From Recognition Point

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Commitment -- 1999
At the Kennedy Space Control Center there are signs which come on telling of the many countdown chec
Miracle -- 1999
In small discussion groups on miracles, some questioned whether there really were any.
Truth -- 1999
Winston Churchill is supposed to have said once about his potential opponent: "Baldwin occasionally
Baptism -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
"Oh, Mom, don't be silly. I don't need Erin baptized.
To The Scrap Pile -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
By Jupiter, how we need to get tough today!
Hope -- 1999
Amy Grant, interviewed on CNN, was asked what the purpose of Christian music is.
Seeing With New Eyes -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
Rudy looked around. He couldn't believe it. It had finally ended. He was free.
Communion -- 1999
I stood in the aisle of Saint Peter Church, Monrovia, Liberia, and inquired as to the fate of my for
Mission -- 1999
Dennis Anderson, President of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, told of a woman named Jud
TV Commercial -- 1999
A couple quotations: "We measure success one investor at a time." -- Dean Witter.
Every Child Has A Purpose -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It was Alpha's eightieth birthday and the party was grand.
Bitterness Fever -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I hate Serbs for what they have done to my people.
Humanity -- 1999
At the formal academic ceremony of graduation at Wittenberg University, I saw a dog come behind the
We Gather Together -- Psalm 126 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1999
The aromas were inviting. Turkey, dressing, gravy, and cranberries.
Communion Of Saints -- 1999
Pastor Carlos Schneider tells of Ted and Tom, who sat in the balcony at Saint John's, Sacramento.
Music -- 1999
Today I did not preach so I could see from my pew in the chancel our organist, Linda Wibben, actuall
Victory -- 1999
At Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Oakland where I preached today, there is a mentally challenged older
The Portrait -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Paul couldn't stand it anymore. The constant ringing in his ears was deafening.
Really A Sham? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A high school teacher does not like to be bothered with the time consumed in grading essay tests, bu
Humanness -- 1999
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle blew up one and a half minutes out of Cape Kennedy.
Saint Thomas Aquinas -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Constance Berg -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
Thomas Aquinas, the great philosopher, theologian, and teacher, is the patron saint of Roman Cathol
Companionship -- 1999
60 Minutes on October 3, 1982, had a piece on a recent study on the effect of having a pet.
Offering -- 1999
In an Iowa snowstorm the willow trees in back of our home bent way over from the weight.
Violence -- 1999
In the movie Witness Grandpa tells his grandson Samuel, "What you take into your hand, you ta
Life's Purpose -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Holly was washing the dishes, listening to her favorite gospel quartet on tape, when two men pulled

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

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Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- John 7:37-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: PentecostCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Theme: Another ChanceCall To Worship
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Theme: The Resurrection Of JesusCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Theme: ReconciliationCall To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: TemptationCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: Alive To God In ChristCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 119:1-8; 33-48; 129-144 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
On Eagles' Wings -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 27 -- Psalm 78:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Day Of Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 23 -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Theme: Rejoice In The Lord, AlwaysCall To Worship
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Psalm 118:14-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 15 -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Theme: Irrevocable LoveCall To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 7 -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Cost Of DiscipleshipCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Moral HolinessCall To Worship
The Gift Of Life -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Deborah -- The JudgeCall To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: CreationFirst Lesson: Genesis 1:1--2:4a Theme: Creation
Proper 23 -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Calls UsCall To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Walk In The LightCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Testimony To The Risen LordCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Theme: What Does Your Heart Say?Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's CallCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance

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...

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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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