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SermonStudio

Too Old For Heaven -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter, how are you today?
New Year's -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter!
Anniversary Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, boys and girls. Good morning to you, too, Peter.
Puzzled -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: (Trying to play a hand-held computer game) Now, let's see.
Moms Are Like That -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. Why are you looking so sad?
Fight The Good Fight -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Wow, what happened to you, Peter?
Talk To The Shepherd -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter!
"Wait Upon The Lord" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Today the puppet is wearing the "girl's wig." I call her Petra.
Sin Protection -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Get your sin protection here! "Sin Protectors" -- only $5 each or two for $15.
"A Star Is Born" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter!
Honoring Mothers -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Good morning, Pastor. Are we honoring mothers today?
Goin' Fishin' -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: (Calls) Peter! Peter! Oh, hi, Peter!
"Just Say No" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: What's that big button you're wearing for, Peter?
Paul The Pie Maker -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Well, Peter, how are you getting along in Sunday school?
"Just Say No" II -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter! What's that shirt you're wearing?
"The Bread Of Life" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. How are you today?
Camp Presentation -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. What have you been up to?
God Hates Lying -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. It's good to have you here this morning.
Rise And Shine -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hello, everyone. Today I've asked Peter to lead us in a prayer.
The Memory Verse -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Good morning, Pastor. May I say a memory verse?
The Good Shepherd And The Flock -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. It's good to have you with us this morning.
The Prayer Chain -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter!
Our Silent Partner -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. It's good to have you with us again.
What Do You Want Installed? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Today is a very important time for our church as we have the installation service for
Keeping In Touch -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Puppet should pause between lines)

Christian

Christian Faith

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Death

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2009
The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago.
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / Ordinary Time 21 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
... I appointed you a prophet to the nations.-- Jeremiah 1:5c
Easter 2 -- Psalm 118:14-29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Lent 3 -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.
Epiphany 5 / Ordinary Time 5 -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
Proper 11 / Pentecost 9 / Ordinary Time 16 -- Psalm 52 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2009
See the one who would not take refuge in God, but trusted in abundant riches, and sought refuge i
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last d
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Isra
The Holy Trinity -- Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2009
O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!-- Psalm 8:1a
Proper 16 / Ordinary Time 21 / Pentecost 11 -- Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother's womb.
Easter 2 -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests
Lent 3 -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
... do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem?
Epiphany 5 / Ordinary Time 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!-- Luke 5:8
Proper 11 / Pentecost 9 / Ordinary Time 16 -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2009
He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- John 1:1-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
The light shines in darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.-- John 1:5
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Psalm 119:97-104 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.-- Psalm 119:97
The Holy Trinity -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2009
And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings....-- Romans 5:3a
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / Ordinary Time 21 -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which w
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."-- John 20:19
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength ...
Christmas 1 -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord.
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for
The Holy Trinity -- John 16:12-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2009
I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / Ordinary Time 21 -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
When he laid his hand on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
Easter 3 -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

Drama

SermonStudio

Partytime -- Gary W. Fehring -- 2006
Characters
Jesus And The Mother Of James And John -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Mother James John Jesus
Captive To Love -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach
Love Finds A Way -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Singer 1 Singer 2 Singer 3
Jesus At The Age Of Twelve -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Joseph Mary Priest
When All You've Got ... Is Gone -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
When our loss is so intense that we lose even our hope, we have a shepherd who can find it.
Youth Retreat -- Gary W. Fehring -- 2006
CharactersGroupPerson 1Person 2
Jesus' Parable Of The Good Samaritan -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Teacher (male) Jesus Robber Merchant
Pass The Wine -- John 2:1-11 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach
It Wasn't The Hilton, You Know -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Child 1 (Lead Shepherd) Child 2 (Mary)
Jesus And John The Baptist -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Woman John Rabbi Pharisee
Just Look At Yourself! -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Because of a wrong turn in space and in time, two deliverymen leave a very large screen television a
The Evening "Good" News -- Gary W. Fehring -- 2006
CharactersDanus RatherusShopper 1Salesman 1
Jesus And Blind Bartimaeus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 1 Bartimaeus Man 2 Man 3
Who You Callin' A Big Baby? -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach
If We Do It, It Will Work -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) God (offstage voice) Gabriel
Jesus And The Devil -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus DevilQuestions
A Risky Gamble -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
In "A Risky Gamble" we listen in on a conversation in a casino.
Jesus And Lazarus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Jesus Martha Mary
More Than Skin Deep -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach
Christmas Eve At Angel School -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Teacher Angel 1st Angel 2nd Angel
Jesus Calls Peter -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Andrew
You Think I'm What? -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Are you entitled to your employer's paper clips, cars, time, coffee, and pencils for your personal u
Jesus Enters Jerusalem -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Woman 1 Man 1 Man 2 Woman 2
I Will Never Forgive Her -- Never! -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

SermonStudio

Theology -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The late Gerald Kennedy once told about an old lady who heard
Nervous -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
It's an old one and variously told. But, a woman entered a
Farm And Farmers -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The proverbial city child was getting his first glimpse of
Bible -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The Sunday school teacher had just finished a detailed account
Tongue Twisters -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
According to Guiness Book of Records, the worst tongue twister
Offering -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A certain church was taking a missionary offering. As the
Father -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The teacher asked the new arrival in kindergarten what her father's name was.
Bragging -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Bragging may not bring happiness, but did you ever see a man,
Viewpoint -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Various viewpoints:His sister: "Oh, his nose is broken!"
One-Liners -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Yogi Berra: "If people don't want to come to the ball game,
Fire -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
An oil well caught fire in Oklahoma. The owners called in
Bumper Stickers -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
While there are many bumper stickers appearing today which are
Vocabulary -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
"Expedite: to compound confusion with commotion."
Parachutes -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The small plane was carrying three passengers -- a Boy Scout,
Fishing -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Mark Twain once said, "Do not tell fish stories where the
Bureaucracy -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Leo Aikman reports that when the Lord told Moses he was to
Weather -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A property survey was made of an old lady's property which was
Perfection -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The legendary Ted Williams had had a particularly great day
Flattery -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
An office boy noticed two women at lunch with his boss. Later
Camel -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Three camels tried to get on board Noah's Ark. He stopped them
World Problems -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The guy had been shipwrecked years before and had lived alone
Politics -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The candidate had given a stirring but fact-filled speech. He
Flood -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A man who had survived the Johnstown Flood, and ever since
Campus And College Students -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A professor in a class on religion was trying to explain the
Guilt -- 1994
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, detective story author, once sent a

Illustration

Inspirational

SermonStudio

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak -- Matthew 26:41 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
In the twinkling of an eye -- 1 Corinthians 15:52 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: In the twinkling of an eyeLocation: 1 Corinthians 15:52
Ears shall tingle -- 2 Kings 21:12 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Ears shall tingleLocation: 2 Kings 21:12

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, we thank you for the promise of springtime; for infant birds breaking out of their shells; fo
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We come before you this morning, O God, out of deep concern for our world.
The New Year -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
A new year is just ahead, O Holy Spirit, and we wonder what it holds.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It was a morning last week, our Creator, when the sun, preceded by a multi-colored sky, rose with su
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Your creation, O Lord, is an awesome and astounding work.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It is difficult for us, O God, to understand how the people of the first century didn't, or wouldn't
Ash Wednesday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It is not easy, heavenly Spirit, owning up to our mistakes -- honestly presenting ourselves to you w
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our heavenly God, you love us when we fail to love ourselves.
The New Year -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Now, our Creator, we turn to a clean white page.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Gracious God, we search for new words to tell you how much we treasure worshiping you every Sunday m
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Master, we tried going through life under our own rule.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Some time ago, O God, we watched a filmed account of how a badly burned Russian boy was flown to Gal
Ash Wednesday -- Luke 23:34, 1 John 1:9 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
You know our hearts, gracious God, how they carry guilt from the past.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
There are times, dear Creator, when we are sure we know what is right and what is wrong.
The New Year -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
One of the inescapable dimensions of our lives is time, a gift, our Creator, from you.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, Eternal God, we take our friends for granted.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our heavenly Creator, we deeply desire to live lives that will be in harmony with your plan for our
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
You, Holiest One, see us for the sinners we are, yet love us still.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
One of the limitations your creation places upon us, O God, is time.
The New Year -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We are an impatient people, Lord. We want what we want, today!
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
There are times, O God, when we are convinced that we are doing the right thing and yet the result o
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, O God our Creator, we seem so inadequate and so ineffective.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, it must have been a grand and overwhelming moment when Moses brought the childre
Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, our heavenly Ruler, about the three wise men who brought gifts of frankincense and myrrh
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, giver of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, have we told you lately how much we l

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm represents a real struggle for most people.
The Antidote To Anger -- John 2:13-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm takes aim, not only at a once and long ago world, but also places the contemporary scene
Psalm 146:5-10 -- Psalm 146:5-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In this season of waiting there is a prior question that comes to mind.
Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (v. 1).
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It's Easter. For us, this is a day of new beginnings. It is the ultimate moment. Christ is risen!
Psalm 19 -- Psalm 19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Many preachers use the last verse of this psalm as a prayer before launching into Sunday's sermon.
Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Go ahead. Take a coin from your pocket.
Gathering Up The Fragments -- John 6:4-14 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- 2009
Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near.
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A wise teacher once pointed out that much of scripture is said in dialogue.
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Sometimes life gets to be simply too much.
Psalm 36:5-10 -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is nothing quite so wonderful as someone you can trust.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Power is basic to our existence as human beings.
Psalm 20 -- Psalm 20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2009
Everyone wants a protector.
Psalm 95 -- Psalm 95 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In democratic culture, individualism reigns supreme.
A Different Kind Of Power -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- 2009
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He
Psalm 1 -- Psalm 1 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It would be an easy thing to read through this psalm and nod in assent before moving on to the next.
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It's one thing to talk the talk. Everyone knows people who are good at rhetoric.
Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Into everyone's life comes a moment of complete abandonment of all the careful boundaries and filter
Psalm 40:1-11 -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is an unwritten law in lines at the local supermarket.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Today, Christian people everywhere celebrate an incredibly absurd notion.
Psalm 22 -- Psalm 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The opening words of this psalm are the same ones uttered by Jesus as he hung near death on the cros
Psalm 96 -- Psalm 96 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Say to the nations, 'The Lord is king!' "
Trusting The Rope Will Hold -- Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Easter Day - A -- 2009
Then Peter began to speak to them: "...
Psalm 1 -- Psalm 1 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm could have been written yesterday! It is striking in its contemporaneous feel.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Baptizing in the Spirit -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Richard A. Hasler -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
In Alex Haley's pioneer study, Roots, there is a poignant scene when Kunta Kinta, a slave, dr
Going to the Dogs -- Mark 7:24-37 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2011
There are some Bible stories that embarrass me and this is one of them.
Seeing Is Believing -- John 1:43-51 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
Eugene Peterson tells about his boyhood days growing up in the "Big Sky" country of Montana.
A Glance and a Sigh -- Mark 7:24-37 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2011
There is a scripture text that I would commend to all of us.
Testifying Among Other Shrines -- Mark 8:27-38 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2011
The tourist bus rolled into the parking lot at Caesarea Philippi.
Proclaiming the Good News -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
In Washington Irving's Sketch Book he tells of a whimsical character by the name of Rip Van W
Welcoming the Child -- Mark 9:30-37 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2011
"Hey you! Get out of here!"
Recognizing the Voice of Authority -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2011
This story may be apocryphal, but I heard of a professor who was not only popular on campus but also
For Us or Against Us? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2011
On a day like World Communion Sunday, we remember the world is much bigger than we think.
Developing a Quiet Center -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2011
Kathleen Norris tells of an experiment she tried with elementary school children when she taught art
Welcome to the Household -- Mark 10:2-16 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2011
Some years ago, theologian Edward Farley raised a good question for preachers: "When we stand up on
Daring to Touch -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2011
Sam Keen in his book, To a Dancing God, tells of accidentally tripping over a rock one day wh
Holy Spirit: Guide and Guarantee -- John 15:26-27, John 16:4b-15 -- David R. Cartwright -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2011
"Listen, Galileo! The science of the world was built on the pillars of Aristotelian wisdom.
Facing the Future with Hope -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
A euphemism according to the dictionary is the "substitution of an agreeable expression for somethin
The Teacher Who Wanted to Learn -- John 3:1-17 -- David R. Cartwright -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2011
It's about time we stopped being so hard on Nicodemus.
Does Anybody Tell the Truth Anymore? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2011
I was watching an interview on television concerning the ENRON scandal -- a scandal that stole the l
Lift High the Cross -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2010
There might be times in our lives when we are confused and unsure about what direction to go next.
Discerning in Love -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2010
Many people have come to rely on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to travel from one place to anothe
On Speaking Terms -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
Do you ever have moments in your life when you feel that God must have decided somehow not to be on
Looking for Ducklings: Kissing the Sidewalk -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Tony S. Everett -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Poor Daryl.
Grow Up! -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
The best way to jump-start your spiritual life, according to a recent survey, is to serve others in
Going Home -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
At the end of a long trip, home always looks appealing!
Stuck in Park -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Tony S. Everett -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Martha had lived alone for several years, except, that is, for her dog, Otto, a three-year-old minia
Building a Solid Foundation -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
The long-awaited dream would soon become a reality. Ground was broken for the family's new home.
Who's the Real Leader? -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

"He Ascended Into Heaven" -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
Familiar words. Churches have been repeating them for centuries in the Apostles' Creed:
Resolutions For A New Year -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Happy New Year! No, the calendar is not one month off. Today is New Year's Day ...
The Whole Truth -- Luke 24:36-48 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Emphasis or special occasion: Resurrection SundayChapter 20
God's Battleship -- John 17:6-19 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Several years ago, there was a convention of clergy gathered at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta under th
Beating Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
Once upon a time, in the dim and distant past, a little Jewish child asked, "Mommy, Daddy, why do pe
Surprise! -- Luke 1:26-38 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Do you like surprises? Some folks do.
The True Israelite -- John 1:43-51 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Emphasis or special occasion: Doubt Chapter 21
Expressing The Inexpressible -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- David E. Leininger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
What can we ever say about God that is adequate?
Christmas In The Crossfire -- Titus 2:11-14 -- David E. Leininger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
One Monday, a couple of years ago, my wife and I crossed the driveway from the manse to the church t
Upside Down -- John 2:13-22 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Chapter 22Upside DownJohn 2:13-22
Never, Never, Never, Never Give Up! -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
"Never give up. Never give up.
Simeon -- Luke 2:22-40 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
I am old and ready to die.
Fifty Feet Below Molly's Face -- John 3:6-8 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Emphasis or special occasion: ChristmasChapter 23
Be Careful What You Wish For ... You Just Might Get It! -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
This is graduation time in many communities.
Merry Xmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
This is a glorious time of year.
And What Else? -- John 6:1-21 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
"The wind was squealing through the rigging," Peter said.
The Day God Voted -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Are you ready to vote? These days it seems as if that were a perpetual question.
Gifts For The Christ Child -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2008
The three wise men.
Lazarus: Second Death, Third Life -- John 11:1-13, 38-44 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Emphasis or special occasion: Resurrection SundayChapter 25
Peace In The Midst Of The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
Suppose for a few minutes that you are one of them.
Power! -- Mark 1:4-11 -- David E. Leininger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2008
In a former congregation of mine, a Sunday school teacher told me of an incident that happened there
John's Final Revision -- John 21:20-25 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Chapter 26John's Final Revision
"If I But Touch ..." -- Mark 5:21-43 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2008
Happy ending. Two wonderful healing stories, one sandwiched in the middle of the other.
The Voice -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2008
Someone has suggested that the title for a sermon about this incident in the life of Samuel should b
The Seminarian -- 1 Corinthians 2:12 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Emphasis or special occasion: OrdinationChapter 27

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

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What A Sight To See, On The Mountaintop -- Psalm 50:1-6 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
1. What a sight to see, on the mountaintop, There, the mighty God, our Lord, behold.
Shattering Christmas To Find Christmas -- Rod Tkach -- 2008
Introduction
Have Mercy, Lord, I Cry -- Psalm 51:1-18 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
1. Have mercy, Lord, I cry, Lord, hear my every sigh, Forgive my sin.
To You, O Lord, Most Holy (O God Of My Salvation) -- Psalm 25:1-9 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
1. To you, O Lord, most holy, I turn in every need. I trust in you to guide me,
Bread For The Journey -- Genesis 3:17-19 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
Some of the best memories I have as a child are associated with the sense of smell.
People Of God, In Holy Fear -- Psalm 22:22-30 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
1. People of God, in holy fear, Give forth great praise in worship here.
Welcome Bread -- Genesis 18:1-16 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
When I was a college junior, a music group I played in took a trip to Europe.
Creation Bears The Sight Of God's Eternal Light (A Glory Without End) -- Psalm 19 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
1. Creation bears the sight Of God’s eternal light: A glory without end.
Unleavened Bread -- Exodus 12:1-11 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
The other day, I picked up my daughter at high school and took her out for lunch.
O Give Thanks Unto The Lord -- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
1. O give thanks unto the Lord for all the wonders he has done.
Daily Bread -- Exodus 16:1-21, Luke 11:1-4 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
A few years ago, a young American man was lost in the Australian desert.
My Life Is Fashioned By God's Word -- Psalm 119:9-16 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
1. My life is fashioned by God’s word, So full of grace and wonder,
Christmas Day -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Stewardship -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We come, to proclaim God's majesty,
Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Isaiah 55:1-5, Romans 9:1-5 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Matthew 14:22-33, 1 Kings 19:9-18, Romans 10:5-15, Psalm 85:8-13 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
Gathering Prayer/Prayer Of Preparation
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
The Baptism Of Our Lord/Epiphany 1/Ordinary Time 1 -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
A Service Of Renewal
Times Of Difficulty -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
While written for congregational use, this prayer is also easily used for communion with shut-ins
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We come to this place of worship,
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: When the floods and storms of the world threaten
Proper 15 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 67 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2 -- John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
Gathering Chant

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Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Christ the King Sunday
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For November 30, 2025:
  • Time Change by Chris Keating. The First Sunday of Advent invites God’s people to tell time differently. While the secular Christmas machine keeps rolling, the church is called to a time of waiting and remaining alert.
  • Second Thoughts: What Time Is It? by Tom Willadsen based on Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
According to Martin Luther our thanksgiving is brought about only by justification by grace:

But bringing of tithes denotes that we are wholly given to the service of the neighbor through love…  This, however, does not happen unless, being first justified by faith. (Luther’s Works, Vol.9, p.255)

The Reformer also wants us to be happy, what with all the generous gifts we have been given.  He wrote:
Wayne Brouwer
A schoolteacher asked her students to make a list of the things for which they were thankful. Right at the top of Chad’s list was the word “glasses.” Some children resent having to wear glasses, but evidently not Chad! She asked him about it. Why was he thankful that he wore glasses?

“Well,” he said, “my glasses keep the boys from hitting me and the girls from kissing me.”

The philosopher Eric Hoffer says, “The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings!” That’s true, isn’t it?
William H. Shepherd
Christianity is, among other things, an intellectual quest. The curriculum to know God truly. The lesson plans interact creatively with other aspects of faith: worship is vain if not grounded in truth, while service is misguided if based on faulty premises. While faith certainly cannot be reduced to knowledge, it cannot be divorced from it, either.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (v. 6)

We just received word about the passing of our friend, Rosmarie Trapp. We had lost touch with her in recent years, so I was shocked when I stumbled onto her obituary in The New York Times from May 18, 2022.
David E. Leininger
John Jamison
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Reason for the Season" by David Leininger
"Time's Up" by John Jamison


What's Up This Week

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John Jamison
Object: The activity for this message is the Be Thank You! game.

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The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Rosemary was 33 years old. She'd been married to James for four years and they had two children, Sam who was two and the baby, Elizabeth, who was just three weeks old. Apart from the baby blues and extreme fatigue, both of which got her down a bit when James was at work, Rosemary was happy. They had recently moved to the London suburbs and James commuted each day by train.

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
This brief psalm is among the most familiar in the psalter, but that is primarily because its verses have been excerpted in so many hymns and liturgical texts. There is something to be gained from looking at Psalm 100 in its entirety, and trying to recover its ancient liturgical context.

James Evans
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (v. 6). What better way could there be for us to begin the Advent season than by focusing our prayers on peace? The word, shalom, translated "peace," means much more than the mere absence of conflict. And of course, it is not only Jerusalem that is in need of peace; the whole world needs the shalom that the psalmist dreams about. So perhaps we should expand the breadth of this prayer, and deepen it with our awareness of the various meanings of the Hebrew idea of peace.

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E)
Tony S. Everett
A popular skit at church camps involves about a dozen folks lined up side-by-side, looking anxious and frustrated facing the audience. Each person rests a left elbow on the right shoulder of their neighbor. Then, from left to right, each member asks, "Is it time yet?" When the question arrives at the end of the line, the last person looks at his/her wristwatch and responds, "No." This reply is passed, one-by-one each with bored sighs, back to the first questioner. After a few moments, the same question is passed down the line (left elbows remaining on the right shoulders).
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Just a few days before writing this message, I conducted a memorial service for a 60-year-old man who was the picture of health until three months before his death. He was active, vibrant, only recently retired, and looking forward to years of good life with his wife and family and friends. Nonetheless, pancreatic cancer had done its work, and quickly, and he was gone. It was the general consensus that it was too soon for his life to end; he was too young to die.
John W. Clarke
In this the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus begins to withdraw to the east side of the Sea of Galilee. He has fed the 5,000, and he has walked on water. The press of the crowds had become all consuming and he needs some solitude to prepare himself for what lay ahead. Considering that the crowds that followed him more than likely knew of the feeding of the 5,000, and some may even have heard of the miraculous walking on water, it is difficult to explain why in these verses, they would doubt anything he had to say -- but they do.
Robert R. Kopp
My favorite eighth grader just confessed his aspiration for becoming President of the United States.

When I foolishly asked the inspiration of his lofty goal, he replied, "Bill Clinton." Then my hormone-raging adolescent proceeded to list perceived presidential perks that have nothing to do with God or country.

My prayer list has been altered.

And my attitude about prayer in public schools has changed too.

I used to be against prayer in public schools.
John E. Berger
Thanksgiving, according to one newspaper columnist, has kept its original meaning better than any other holiday. That original meaning, he wrote, was family reunions around large dinner tables.

In contrast, Christmas has changed into Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Easter has come to emphasize new spring clothes and the Easter bunny. Even our national holidays -- Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day -- have become cook-outs and summer travel get-aways.
Mark Ellingson
Thanksgiving: How do we say thanks authentically and not lapse into the platitudes so often associated with this holiday? There are several dangers associated with the holiday. Ever since it was instituted as a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln, and even before when various state governors instituted it in their states, Thanksgiving has not been a strictly Christian holiday. There has been a lot of nationalism and self-congratulations associated with this day. What is the distinctively Christian way to give thanks to God for all the good things that we have?

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