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SermonStudio

Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
We are a whoring nation, are we not?
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.
Second Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
For those who like to preach from all three lectionary texts, the stated readings for this Sunday co
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 7:1-10Proper 4Pentecost 2Ordinary Time 9Miracle Seven
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Few passages in the Old Testament are more important than this one, because it sets forth central un
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
We live in a society in which right and wrong have become largely a matter of personal opinion.
Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 7:11-17Proper 5Pentecost 3Ordinary Time 10
Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
In the popular piety that so dominates American religious life, there is the saying that "God hears
Proper 8 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
We modern-day Christians are not called to be prophets in the Old Testament sense of the term.
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Luke 12:49-56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Corpus Christi -- Genesis 14:18-20, Luke 9:11-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2003
Theme For The Day
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 9:28-36Transfiguration Of The LordMiracle Five
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
This passage is famously known as Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard." It begins with the prophet singin
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
We use the word "holy" a lot.
Proper 16 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Theme For The DayChrist is our king and calls us to a loyal citizenship in his kingdom.
Proper 16 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
You and I and all persons in our day are not prophets in the Old Testament sense of the word.
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

The Thick Darkness -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Eric Marshall and Stuart Hample have made a practice of visiting elementary schools and asking child
Perceiving The Presence Of God -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Three sisters lived in the forest.
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.
Breaking Down The Barriers -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
Every year during Black History Month, Stroupe gives a series of sermons on the struggle of Afric
Getting It Straight -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
What a colorful figure Paul must have been in flesh and blood!
Anywhere But Home -- Mark 6:1-13 -- George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
The Gospel of Mark is filled with action.
April Love -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
It's a bit odd that the lectionary committee placed this reading from the Song of Solomon in late su
Showing Up -- John 11:32-44 -- Stan Purdum -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
No less a commentator on the human condition than Woody Allen has said, "Eighty percent of success i
On Being Safe And Sound -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
The season is all about being ready when somebody comes.
To Whom Do We Belong? -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
The claim that we belong to God, a God who decisively determines our true identity amidst the compet
Being Single-minded -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
The Second Coming of Christ was much in the thoughts of the ancient church.
The Cost Of Being A Prophet -- Mark 6:14-29 -- George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
John the Baptist is one of the heroes of the Christian faith.
The Spiritual Gateway -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Picture this: You are on your way to the airport to catch a flight to a wedding where you are in the
Using Scripture And Other Sources To Understand Jesus -- Luke 24:44-53 -- David T. Ball -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
One of most interesting places in our public libraries is the biography section.
Trusting God's Promises -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Luke 1:26-38 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Unfortunately, in our culture we have been conditioned to expect people to break their promises.
Listening To The Dreams -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
These two sermons constitute the heart of Stroupe's homiletic response to the events of 9/11.
Looking Out For Others -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Being able to synthesize in such a way that harmony can be the outcome is among the many things the
Coming Apart So We Don't Come Apart -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading from Mark is a clear picture of the Christian life.
Nice Guys Finish First -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
One day, a Sunday school teacher asked her class of children about their favorite Bible verses.
Beware: Hypocrites On Premises -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Whenever I happen to be in a conversation with someone about why they don't go to church, it seems l
Watch! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Mark 13 speaks to those who expect too much and to those who expect too little.
Benediction -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
This sermon, on the confrontation between the prophet Nathan and King David, and the sermon on Mary'
A Man For All Seasons -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
The enigma of human relationships and how that relates to the living God is all about us.
The Word Behind The Text -- John 6:1-21 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Entering her office, the Reverend Ashley Baker-Campbell noticed her secretary was paging her: "Sally
Mrs. Proverbs -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
It's a question you've probably not thought much about, but were any parts of the Bible written by w

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

What Limits? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We humans possess an aggressive instinct. We are killer apes. Man is a promiscuous creature.
Courage -- 1999
Barbara Lundblad at an ELCA Assembly said: "The reason they tie mountain climbers together is to kee
Can't Help It! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, what drives me down here to my study at five o'clock in the morning?
Parables -- 1999
January 21, 1991: Helicopters and fighter planes left the security of their air bases to fly into en
Hymn -- 1999
I was in our car, stopped at a traffic light in Berkeley.
Dance Of Gratitude -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
Anna dances. Ever since she was cured of a childhood disease, she has danced.
Flawed Humans? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I'm a far more suggestible individual, Leon, than I would like to admit.
Cross -- 1999
With the neighbor's financial help, we were able to cut down two huge eucalyptus trees which had die
Seeking -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Truth sought and found. Truth elusive. Truth is relative. Truth is an illusion. Truth monopolies.
Parenthood -- 1999
Letty Cottin Pogrebia in Growing Up: "Don't be the man you think you should be, be the father
Illusion -- 1999
One time Carol Jarrett of Tiffin, Ohio, had a surprise birthday party for her husband, John.
Bartolome de las Casas, Missionary -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
Professor Bob Corbett celebrates and laments the work of Bartolomé de las Casas.
Questioning -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A plaque showing a young boy curiously, questioningly bent over examining an object on a beach with
Danger -- 1999
At a very busy intersection today someone had hit the barricades where road work was being done.
"The Mysterium Tremendum"? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Early on, Leon, selecting sociology as a major area of study presented me with indications that my i
Pastor -- 1999
In my childhood my pastor, Christian Wessel, was like a father to me. I adored him.
Impersonation -- 1999
The Ledger-Dispatch of Antioch, California, told a fascinating story of deception and imperso
Miracles -- John 6:1-21 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
Some people have spent countless hours trying to explain how Jesus could possibly have fed 5,000 men
A Tragic Species? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Financial advisors caution people about putting all their investments in one source and many individ
Destruction -- 1999
A market sign over a shopping mall all boarded up: "This construction killed us." A new four-lane hi
Alive In Christ -- 1999
Dave Carlson of Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines tells of importing live fish by plane.
Peace -- 1999
At the Augustana-Hochschule (Seminary) in Neuendettelsau, Germany, I was told that the facilities no
Incarnation -- 1999
"Mama Ganna" (Amanda Gardner), the Bible Woman of Liberia, West Africa, said of the missionary nurse
Trickle Up -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
Paul calls for unity and gives us the seven signs of Christian unity as we make up the body of Chris
Whistling In The Dark -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
There have been some humorous eye-catching drawings made of boys walking past a cemetery after dark,

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Theme: The Good ShepherdCall To Worship
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Of Comfort And CompassionCall To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- Psalm 8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, The Light Of The WorldCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 16:5-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Tenebrae For Modern Times -- Marie A. Asner -- 2001
Welcome The CongregationChoral Introit(Suggestions)
I Am The True Vine -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 24 -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Theme: An Example To OthersCall To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 121 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 16 -- Romans 12:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: Unity In DiversityCall To Worship
Proper 8 -- Psalm 13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Theme: Spirit Of WisdomCall To Worship
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Theme: Stewards Of GodCall To Worship
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Theme: FaithCall To Worship
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ For The WorldCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Call To RepentanceCall To Worship
Closing The Distance -- Luke 15:20b -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
When my daughter Emma was two years old, she was observing me getting robed up for Sunday worship.
Child Of God, Heir To The Kingdom -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 24 -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Theme: Give God His DueCall To Worship Leader: We are God's people.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Peaceful KingdomCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Is God With Us?Call To Worship
What a dramatic God we serve! -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Drama is all about us. Human history is the great drama of God, carried out on a planet-size stage.
Proper 16 -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: On This RockCall To Worship
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Theme: Love And MarriageCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For October 26, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
I am a scoreboard watcher. I follow a lot more games than I actually watch, but since technology makes it easy to check scores on a moment’s whim, I watch a lot of scoreboards of teams and games that I am at least mildly interested in. And as I check those scores, I find myself having immediate reactions: “Great!” “Oh, that's too bad.” “Excellent!” “Nuts.” And in the midst of that sports-fan roller coaster, I must continually remind myself that not all scores are final.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Joel 2:22-32
Martin Luther sings the praises of God’s love revealed in this lesson. He wrote:

The love of God which lives in man loves sinners, evil persons, fools and weaklings in order to make them righteous, good, wise, and strong. Rather than seeking its own good, the love of God flows forth and bestows good. (Luther’s Works, Vol. 31, p.57)

John Wesley nicely summarizes the Spirit’s role in fighting the lure of our old sinful habits:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message is a role-play story. You will need two children to play the roles of the Pharisee and the tax collector. I usually ask two children if they will help me as they are all coming forward for the message, but you may select them however you choose.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight.
Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

We all dislike people who blow their own trumpets, although sometimes we may be in awe of them. Jesus too deplored such behaviour and was never in awe of those who practised it. In our worship today let us open ourselves to Jesus, allowing him to see what is in our hearts.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we allow other people's behaviour to intimidate us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we refuse to reach our own fullest potential because we are afraid.

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Every morning when sleep leaves and waking comes there is cause for praising God. Caught up, as we are, in the currents and eddies of our lives, this is easy to forget. This wonderful psalm is a reminder. God's bounty and abundance spill into our lives like waters over a causeway. God's delight in creation explodes in a million different colors. In every moment there is reason to give God praise.
Robert R. Kopp
When I was a little boy growing up in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania's First Presbyterian Church, one of those Christian chalk artists with black light, neon colors, and black felt canvas who made pictures of Jesus look like those Elvis portraits for sale on the side of the road at the beach showed up as entertainment for a Sunday evening potluck dinner.
John E. Berger
Today's sermon begins with this little one-person drama.
Mark Ellingson
Have you ever felt that you were absolutely at the end of your rope, left without hope? Sometime during the years of 539 B.C. to 331 B.C. that is the way the people of Judah felt. It seems that their land had been ravaged by a plague of locusts which had had catastrophic consequences.

Once a harvest has been destroyed, you cannot repair it. If a building has burned to the ground, you cannot repair it. In those instances you need to start from scratch with a fresh start.

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