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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
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.
Proper 28 -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
This reading from Acts is the stated lesson in all three cycles of the lectionary.
John W. Wurster -- 2003
John 2:1-11Epiphany 2Miracle ThreeWedding At Cana
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
We have three different accounts of the conversion of Saul in the Gospel according to Luke (9:1-20;
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme The teachings, miracles, and earthly ministry of Jesus.
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
An Introduction To The Advent Season -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2003
Happy New Year!
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
This text gives the third in a series of four visions (7:1--8:3) that the prophet Amos was granted d
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 5:1-11Epiphany 5Miracle FourCatch Of Fish
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
A number of subsidiary themes emerge in this reading from Acts, and we probably should take note of
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
This story about Peter's mission to the Gentiles continues the account that began in 10:1, and it re
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 5 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
All Saints' Sunday -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
The lectionary often combines parts of two separate sections.
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Matthew 2:1-12EpiphanyMiracle OneThe Star
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Our text for the morning sets us down in the middle of what many have called Paul's second missionar
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.

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Testimony -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
In the rural church where my family worshiped and served during my childhood and youth, the midweek
Leaping From Recognition Point -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Leaping From Recognition Point
Brothers And Sisters Of Jesus -- Mark 3:20-35 -- George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
The gospels are very open in sharing the opposition that Jesus faced in his ministry.
Don't Fear The Wait -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A long time ago there lived a little boy whose parents had died.
Great Expectations -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Great Expectations
Living The Word Of God -- James 1:17-27 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Mohandas Gandhi was born in Porbandar in the present state of Gujarat, India, on October 2, 1869.
Call To Worship -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
Twice a year, on Visitors' Sunday and on Oak-hurst's anniversary, Stroupe takes the opportunity to r
The Commandments Are Not Burdensome -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- John T. Ball -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In the Exodus story, Moses leads the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity and takes them to the moun
Fulfillment -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
The closer Christmas gets the more the tension builds. Can't you feel it?
Eating In The Echoing Hall -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
Eating In The Echoing Hall
On Trusting The Work Of God -- Mark 4:26-34 -- George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
Jesus spoke to the people in parables about the reign of God.
Blazing A Path To Christ -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." When we were children we were taught this little rhyme as
Doing A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Doing A New Thing
Strength Through Diversity -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time.
Struggling With God -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
These sermons are taken from a series on 1 Samuel.
The Blessings Of Writing -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay
Watching And Working -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Our focus during the season of Advent is on the arrival of Jesus Christ.
A Hearing Heart -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
A Hearing Heart
Where Is Your Trust? -- Mark 4:35-41 -- George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
If it was not Jesus who was asking the question, our reaction to the speaker would probably be somet
A New Day Is Coming -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
South Africa, a nation rich in resources, people, and possibility, only recently emerged from its da
Setting All The Idols Down -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Setting All The Idols Down
Engage Mind Before Putting Mouth In Gear -- James 3:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
When we were children our parents often quoted us the expression, "Sticks and stones can break my bo
Battling The Idols -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
In this series on Romans, Stroupe re-examines the nature of the Christian life in the context of Pau
True Resurrections -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today, Easter is the central festival of the church, out of which comes two derivative festivals, Ch
Taking Advantage Of The Opportunity -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Different people have differing perspectives on time.

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No-Win -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
There is a witticism that goes, "Why do we buy things we don't want, just to impress people we can't
Human Worth -- 1999
A letter arrived from Lydia Manawu in Liberia, marked, "No Monetary Value."
Witness -- 1999
Mercedes Benz has an ad on television in which a big, new, black Mercedes crashes into a wall for re
Lesson From The Shamrock -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
Shar was worried. She was in charge of the children's sermon this Sunday.
Compassion -- 1999
An ad for Pioneer in Newsweek shows a man and a woman in pajamas reclining on a couch reading
Ordination -- 1999
We ordained 41 that hot Sunday morning in the church in Medan, Sumatra.
A Blessed Harvest -- John 12:20-33 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It sounded like thunder. There wasn't a cloud in the sky that morning. The noise grew louder.
Dare We? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
May it be that we are blind today, Leon?
Humility -- 1999
Lee Kalmer, Dean of ISU College of Agriculture, told of a farmer buying a new tractor.
Worship -- 1999
In The Covenant Book of Worship published by Covenant Press in 1981 (p.
A Prayer Is Answered -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Virginia and Ralph wanted a child. They wanted a son, as a matter of fact.
Conscience -- 1999
We installed an alarm system in the faculty annex this week.
Our Soul -- 1999
Rolly Martinson tells the story of a boy who would not stop clicking his heels each time he stood up
Madame And Maid -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
Isabel put on a white glove. Today was Thursday. Cleaning day in the house.
Novelty Addiction -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
My six-year-old granddaughter says she is bored.
Humor -- 1999
The Iowa State football coach told a story about a football game between centipedes and insects.
God's Precious Gift -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Paul and Rosa had tried and tried to have a baby.
Conversion -- 1999
My medical doctor friend explained today how in medical terms the doctor must convert the heart when
Overburdened -- 1999
A truck driver going through a town on the truck route stopped at each stop street, got out, banged
Julia -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Julia is the first of seven children and the only girl.
Deadlock -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A popular book two generations ago was the Republican presidential candidate Wendell Willkie's On
Humor Singing -- 1999
A little boy in Northern Ireland was riding a bicycle and singing: "The Protestants got all the hous
What Limits? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We humans possess an aggressive instinct. We are killer apes. Man is a promiscuous creature.
A Mother's Thoughts -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
She held the baby to her chest, looking into his eyes.
Courage -- 1999
Barbara Lundblad at an ELCA Assembly said: "The reason they tie mountain climbers together is to kee

Thanksgiving Day

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Unison Prayer

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Women's Day

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Proper 7 -- Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Walk In The LightCall To Worship
I Am The Resurrection -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
In My Father's House -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
The Holy Trinity -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: Live In PeaceCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: A Living HopeCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Psalm 133 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Trustworthy StewardsCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christian PerfectionCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Victory Through FaithCall To Worship
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Lord Will ProvideCall To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Romans 13:11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Time To Wake UpCall To Worship
I Am The Bread Of Life -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
The Holy Trinity -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ With Us AlwaysCall To Worship
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Invisible PresenceCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The DoubterCall To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: Overcoming AdversityCall To Worship
Proper 28 -- Psalm 76 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 98 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday In Lent -- John 3:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Love And Our ResponseCall To Worship
Proper 8 -- Romans 6:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Theme: Wages Versus GiftCall To Worship
For The Musician -- Marie A. Asner -- 2001
Suggested HymnsEntrance
First Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Be Ready -- The Son Of Man Is ComingCall To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - 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...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For August 31, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
When one of our children was young, she pretended to throw something at me from close range, and then she cheerfully declared, “Ha! Made you flinch!” I remember from my own elementary years that that was always regarded as something of an achievement — to make someone blink or to make someone flinch. In reality, of course, it is little more than a test of one’s reflexes. It’s my reflex to blink or to brace when I think something is coming at me, and the reflex is a good one.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 2:4-13
Regarding verses 6-7 of the lesson John Calvin observes:

… there is nothing more common than for the ungodly when they are proved guilty, to have recourse to this subterfuge, that they acted with good intention, when they gave themselves up to their own superstitions. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.IX/1, p.78)

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (v. 2)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children. You will want a container of some kind of treat to give to all of the children.

Note: This is a fairly brief message as presented, but that may help keep an emphasis on the simplicity of the message if you stress it.

* * *

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

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus knew the importance of humility and used a banquet to teach people about it. As we feast on him today, let us make sure we come to him with unassuming spirits.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we are unaware of our own arrogance.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we spot other people's haughtiness but fail to recognise it in ourselves.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are so humble that we become victims of inverted pride.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
-- Hebrews 13:1-2

James Evans
The writer of Psalm 81 employs a most interesting mixed metaphor. It is not mixed, however, because the psalmist was careless and neglected his subject matter. On the contrary, it is because of an important insight into human nature that the psalmist has us "eating with our ears."

Verse 10 rehearses what was, and is, the most basic confession of faith for followers of the Lord. God speaks and says, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth and I will fill it."

Ron Lavin
There are three words I hope you will take home from church today. The words are "Only The Lonely." As you think about these words, the assurances of God's Word will comfort and strengthen you. But I'm getting ahead of my story. Before we get to these three words, we need to look at the full text of Luke 14:1, 7-14. That involves looking at three other words: humility, hospitality, and hope.

Humility
Chrysanne Timm
It is never a pleasant prospect to deal with someone who has a complaint with you. As a new pastor, and a very young one at that, one of the things I struggled with most was the experience of conflict with members. I remember as if it were yesterday a significant misunderstanding that developed between the congregation's "matriarch" and me very early in my time there. I prayed about the difficulty we were having, and I knew that I needed to go to her home and ask for the opportunity to talk things out.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
In this be confident: that the grace of God is active enough to forgive, and the love of God is powerful enough to transform.

Pastoral Prayer

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