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SermonStudio

Weather Or Not -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: I can't believe how cold it is today.
Buffet Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Boy, did I ever have trouble getting you to church this morning.
Scout Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Well, Peter, it is good to have you here this morning all dressed up in your scout u
Know When To Duck -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. Did you like your Sunday school lesson today?
Thankful For Firemen And Sheriff's Deputies -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. I like your hat.
A Direct Line To Jesus -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, I saw you looking in the phone book. What are you doing, anyway?
Praise God Anyway! -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Peter wears a paper bag over his head)Pastor: Peter, is that you?
The Bloofer Box -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. I'm glad you're here.
God Watches Over Me! -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, did you see it rain yesterday?
Respect For Older People -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Why do I have to say, "Ma'am"? Why should I respect older people?
Becoming A Church Member -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hello, there! What's your name?
Don't Wait Until The Season Is Ove -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Wasn't that a great football game at the high school yesterday, Peter?
Let Somebody Else Do It -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Good morning, Pastor.Pastor: Good morning, Peter. What's new?
The Sunday School Offering -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, Sunday school has started. How come you're not in class?
Responsibility -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter! What are you doing?Peter: I don't know.
Where's The Berries? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, your mom tells me you don't want to go to Sunday school any more.
Actions Not Words -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: (Talking on the telephone) Well, is that so? Same to you, too, Norman.
Free Air -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Pastor does some deep breathing exercises)
"... And Be Thankful" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: (Moans) Oh, I'm so upset. Boys and girls, have you ever been made fun of?
Lox vs. Pork Chops -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hello, Peter. What are you up to?
Brotherhood -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter!Peter: Hi, Pastor!
God's Gifts -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter. You look happy today.
Attitudes -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Did I have fun this last week! It was sooo groovy!
Will Roast Pig Bring Us Luck? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, boys and girls. Good morning, Peter!
Scout Sunday II -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter!

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.
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.
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 148 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit.
Advent 2 -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2009
... because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 96 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Say among the nations, "The Lord is king!"-- Psalm 96:10a
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrec
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
... I will pour out my spirit on all flesh....-- Joel 2:28a
Easter 3 -- Psalm 30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the
Christmas 1 -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
I would feed you with the finest of wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Or am I still trying to please people?
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.-- Luke 6:20
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Easter 3 -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and hono
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 12 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
Let mutual love continue.
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death.
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.-- Genesis 45:4
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Easter 3 -- John 21:1-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Come and have breakfast.-- John 21:12b
Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry.
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.

Drama

SermonStudio

Seeds? -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
God has big dreams for our lives.
Jesus Enters Jerusalem -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Woman 1 Man 1 Man 2 Woman 2
Jesus' Parable Of The Four Soils -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Soil 1 Soil 2
Because God Said So, That's Why! -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator David (or Rachel) Esther
Look, But Don't Touch! -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach
Monologue For A Traveler -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
This old traveler of life's path tells of the day he discovered that those footsteps behind him were
Jesus Cleanses The Temple -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Jesus Money Changer Merchant 1
Jesus Heals A Woman In The Crowd -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Woman 1 Woman 2 Jairus
Look At That! -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
"Look At That!" is a look at coveting.
Jesus Anointed By Mary -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Judas Jesus Mary
Just Managing My Time -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
The monologue, "Just Managing My Time," addresses issues of work, workaholism, worship, rest, renewa
Jesus Predicts Things To Come -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator James John Peter Jesus
Do You Know How Much It Hurts? -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
"Do You Know How Much It Hurts?" illustrates three styles of communication that are harmful to famil
Jesus In The Upper Room -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Matthew Jesus
Let Your Mind Dwell On These Things -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Our minds dwell on and remember what our ears and eyes take in.
Jesus Teaches In The Upper Room -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator John Jesus Matthew Peter
Just To Talk? -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
As with any sin, adultery begins with a few "innocent coincidences" and with lots of rationalization
Jesus In The Garden Of Gethsemane -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Judas Soldier
Jesus' Trial Before The Sanhedrin -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Caiaphas Witness 1 Witness 2
That's Just Too Weird -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
When life is uncertain, where do we turn? When we feel a void, how do we fill it?
Jesus Before Pilate -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Pilate Caiaphas Roman Soldier Jesus
Where Is Your Lamb? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
I am the good shepherd.
Jesus On The Cross -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Centurion Soldier Jesus Priest
Who Is Your King? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Emperor Guard Advisor Narrator Drummer
Jesus And Mary Magdalene In The Garden -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Mary Magdalene Peter John Jesus

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

SermonStudio

Cemetery -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The village council had a proposal to build a wall around the
Prayer -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A cartoon depicted a little fellow on his knees beside his bed
Guilt -- 1994
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, detective story author, once sent a
Lies -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Asked by his Sunday school teacher to define a lie, the boy
Football -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
One university football coach has announced he is going to try
Children's Sermons -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The pastor of a church gave a brief children's sermon. In the
Preachers -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A pastor was out calling on his flock. He came to one house
Unexpected Calls -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Some years ago Dudley Ward and I were lecturing at a pastor's
Forgiveness -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Two sisters kept up a feud in Scotland for 30 years. Alice
Christmas -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Melvin Wheatley tells a story about a man who kept his car in
Funerals -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A Texas preacher was asked to conduct the funeral for a known
Church -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A little boy was invited by a friend to go to his church. He
God -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A little boy one day wrote a letter to God. In it he said,
Communication -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Gerald Kennedy reported that he was at an African Annual
Grandparents -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Someone has observed, "Grandchildren are those remarkable
Complaints -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
After examining the contents of the employee's "suggestion
Half-Truths -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
In his autobiography, the late Senator Claude Pepper recalled
Congress -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The late congressman Claude Pepper used to tell the story of
Happiness -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Will Rogers used to talk about a druggist who was asked if he
Creation -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A teacher reports that she had her class write an account of
Health -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A preacher was in the hospital. A nurse's aide was making the
Crowded Pews -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
One time Tennessee Ernie Ford visited his home church in
Hearing -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
An Episcopal congregation in Florida installed a sound system
Danger -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
There is an old story about a Portuguese monastery which was
Heaven -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
St. Peter was talking to some new arrivals in heaven. They

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

SermonStudio

Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, our God, we try to imagine what our world would be like if your Son had never come.
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal God, as accustomed as we are to all kinds of people demonstrating on our streets, we find ou
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O Creator, it isn't easy going back twenty centuries to a small desert-like province of the Roman Em
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Gracious God we truly want to be "Christians in our hearts." If we are not Christians there, can we
Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Savior, you reveal yourself in the most surprising ways.
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
God, our Redeemer, how refreshing it is to come again to this place of worship.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Parent, you who care for each of us as if we were your only child, and who cares for us m
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We turn to you, Almighty God, for your Son has brought you near.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, God, for open doors.
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
How good it is, our Savior and Creator, to assemble here this morning.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, you taught us through your Son that unless we become as little children, we will not gain ent
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
This morning, O God our Savior, we thank you for friends.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, we thank you for life -- the gift you have given each one of us.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator, we understand the role that winter plays in the growth cycle.
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When, O Lord, did we first realize how much we love our church building?
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator and Redeemer, we enter your presence humbly and gratefully.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, from your breath we were given life, from your soul we were given freedom, from
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Lord and Creator, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Pentecost / Church -- 1 Peter 2:9 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal Spirit, some New Testament teachings are difficult to understand.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, nearly every evening we see the aftermath of violence on our television news.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God of indescribable grandeur, to you we raise our words of praise and adoration.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal Spirit, sometimes it is nearly impossible to believe that you are interested in each one of
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
There comes the moment, Loving Spirit, when we are devastated by the news of a loved one's tragedy.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We suppose, our Creator, it is a great joy to be on stage and receive a standing ovation from hundre
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Redeemer, in the silence of this hallowed place, we come to you filled with all the cacop

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Enthusiasm is not in vogue these days.
Psalm 41 -- Psalm 41 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Most of us love the church.
Psalm 118:14-29 -- Psalm 118:14-29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Anyone can throw a party.
Psalm 22 -- Psalm 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Good Friday - B -- 2009
The opening words of this psalm are etched in the minds of millions of people.
Psalm 97 -- Psalm 97 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This is it.
Easter Imperatives -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Easter Day - A -- 2009
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, you have broken the power of
Psalm 1 -- Psalm 1 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm could have been written yesterday! It is striking in its contemporaneous feel.
Psalm 78:1-7 -- Psalm 78:1-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
What are the things we teach our children?
Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
What better way to begin a new year than with unqualified praise for our God!
Psalms 42 and 43 -- Psalm 42, Psalm 43 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Thirst is a powerful thing.
Psalm 119:97-104 -- Psalm 119:97-104 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A devotee of the writings of the apostle Paul might look at such a psalm as this and shake his head
Psalm 22:25-31 -- Psalm 22:25-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In each person's life, there comes a moment of defeat and desperation.
Psalm 97 -- Psalm 97 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Christ is born!
Jesus Doesn't Divide The World -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- 2009
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdo
Psalm 2 -- Psalm 2 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is an old preacher's joke that asks the question, "How do you make God laugh?" The answer that
Psalm 79:1-9 -- Psalm 79:1-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Asking for forgiveness is not usually the first order of business for someone, even if they are obvi
Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Most people spend their lives hungering after praise.
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Leaders of all stripes have always had sycophants in abundance to sustain their delusion of power.
Psalm 119:105-112 -- Psalm 119:105-112 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A fond memory emerges of a young child attending church camp, walking darkened pathways each night f
Psalm 22:23-31 -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Take a look around and conduct an informal survey. Who is it that we lift up in our culture?
Psalm 97 -- Psalm 97 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Bracketed by the language of praise, this psalm tackles an issue that does not much concern the chur
Confidence In Prayer -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2009
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but tha
Psalm 4 -- Psalm 4 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
A great piece of advice was once offered by a sage, elder pastor.
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a deep yearning here. A longing for a time now past.
Psalm 149 -- Psalm 149 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The very words, "Praise the Lord," have, in some circles, taken on a tone of mockery and scorn.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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.
When God Does Something New -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Argile Smith -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2010
After a prolonged spate of bad news about the national and global economic situation, we welcome goo
Lesson from a Chipmunk -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Tony S. Everett -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
In today's first lesson the apostles are gathered with their families in an upstairs room somewhere
Praise and Blame -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
"Where there is no vision, the people perish," the writer of the Old Testament book of Proverbs decl
Can We Believe? -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2010
Do you ever find it hard to keep on believing?
Everyone Is Invited -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- Timothy J. Smith -- 2010
Every summer Kaitlin joins her youth group on mission trips.
Choosing -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2010
Do you remember the generation gap that existed between you and your parents when you were a teenage
What Can We Believe about the Bible? -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
The words that you have just heard read in our epistle lesson for today are probably the first words
Credible Witnesses -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2010
Each one of us can remember those special transforming moments in our lives.
Powerless People -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Some time ago, someone in Fred's congregation asked him to read a book by a fellow named Tex Sample.
What Can We Believe about the Church? -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
What can we believe about the church? That is an important question for us to ask and to answer.
Locusts Happen -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Tony S. Everett -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
It was never this bad; not in their lifetime, not in any-body's lifetime.
God Cares -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Argile Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Imagine yourself in a remote location, separated from familiar faces and places.
What Can We Believe about the Christian Life? -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Paul frequently reminded the Thessalonians of the kind of life that he and his friends lived while t
Will this Be on the Test? -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Tony S. Everett -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
What do you think might be the most common questions teachers in all grade levels hear from their st
Thanksgivings to Remember -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Argile Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2010
Joan sat on the sofa reflecting on the Thanksgiving Day holiday that she and her children had enjoye
What Can We Believe about God's Saving Grace? -- Romans 3:19-28 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2010
The grace of God is the theme of some of our favorite hymns.
Voice in a Vacuum -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Tony S. Everett -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
At first reading it seems as if today's text is all about Abram's journey from relative obscurity to
Wake Up Call -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Advent always seems out of place with everything else that is going on around us.
What Can We Believe about Ourselves? -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- All Saints Day - A -- 2010
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about t
Is the Lord Among Us or Not? -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Tony S. Everett -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
When most folks first come to seminary they enter with very high expectations of participating in a
Unity and Hope -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
As we make our way through Advent inching closer to Christmas, our days are consumed with many tasks
What Can We Believe about the End of Time? -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2010
Today we are going to talk about one of the biggest puzzles in the study of the Bible.
Hey, What's that Sound? -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Tony S. Everett -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Here's a familiar story.
The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Two mornings a week I drive from Ontario, Oregon, to Caldwell, Idaho, to teach at College of Idaho.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Setting: Corinth, Greece, 55 AD -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Emphasis or special occasion: Christian Ethics
A Gospel For Losers -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2008
A fellow is standing at a bar, just looking at his drink.
Preaching Back Home -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
All four gospels tell us that Jesus was rejected by his hometown and home synagogue.
The Earth Is The Lord's ... And Don't You Forget It! -- Psalm 24 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2008
Of course, we do forget it ... regularly.
What A Rotten Text For Today -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Emphasis or special occasion: Church ConflictChapter 29
Understanding Bible Prophecy -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2008
One of my parishioners once wrote me asking for some help in understanding the confusing imagery in
The God Of The Unlikely -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Moses is one of the genuinely towering figures of the biblical story.
Who Woulda Thunk It? -- John 4:5-42 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Who woulda thunk it?
The Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
One of the first Bible verses my mother taught me when I was a little boy was "Lying lips are an abo
Telling The Story -- John 9:1-41 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
The account of the healing of the blind man in our gospel lesson is wonderful. He meets Jesus.
Family Resemblance -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- David E. Leininger -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
The internet is a fascinating place to hang out.
The Ideal Pastor -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
"If I wanted to drive a manager up the wall, I would make him responsible for the success of an orga
Memorial Day -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
The book of Joshua tells of Israel's conquest of Canaan, which appears to climax the long opening st
A Drama In Three Acts -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2007
Philippians presents the story of Jesus as a drama in three acts.
Words Of Comfort -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
"Brothers [and sisters], we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve
The Upper Room -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- David E. Leininger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
I've been there, the upper room, where this scripture is set.
Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Three servants.
The Blame Game -- John 18:1--19:42 -- David E. Leininger -- Good Friday - A -- 2007
There is something in us that likes to assess blame. We like answers. We want conclusion.
The Incredible Invitation -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- David E. Leininger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Imagine for a moment.
Rolling Stones -- John 20:1-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
The story is certainly familiar.
I Am With You -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
In all of scripture, and even in all of literature, you would be hard pressed to find a character mo
Leaping Lepers -- Luke 17:11-19 -- David E. Leininger -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
Leaping lepers.
The Legend Of The North Star -- Donna J. Fetzer -- 2007
Introduction
God's Ultimate Cosmic Joke -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Many congregations have begun celebrating this second Sunday of Easter as Holy Humor Sunday.
Nevertheless -- Romans 8:26-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
In 1981, Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote When Bad Things Happen to Good People, not Why Bad

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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
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Scripture tells us of how Jesus once invited Peter
Epiphany 2 -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Gathered in winter's grayness, we wait,
Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21 -- Matthew 16:13-20, Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 138 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Summer -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Christmas Eve -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Epiphany 3/Ordinary Time 3 -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
Litany Of Confession P: Discord, dissention, strife,
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: How good it is to gather as God's people!
Epiphany 3 -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: You call us, O God, to have the same mind
Easter 6 -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Call To Confession
Proper 17 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Matthew 16:21-28, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Romans 12:9-21 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Autumn -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Christmas Eve -- Psalm 96 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Epiphany 4/Ordinary Time 4 -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: In a time of bitterness and pain,
Epiphany 4 -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We are blessed when we hunger for justice
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
Service Notes
Proper 18 / Ordinary Time 23 / Pentecost 15 -- Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Confession, Instruction, And Forgiveness P: Holy God, in whose name we gather,
Winter -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you.Lift up your hearts.
Christmas Eve -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Epiphany 5/Ordinary Time 5 -- Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: We are told that our love toward others
Epiphany 5 -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: To a society that lives in the shadowed recesses
Easter 7 -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
As we move between the festivals of Ascension and Pentecost we are reminded on this day of the on
Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24 -- Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day

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Christ the King Sunday
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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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