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Memory Work -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: (To the congregation) Do you hear something?
Stubborn -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: (Chants) School's out! School's out! Teacher's turned her ...
Singing Hymns For Him -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Peter hums "Home On The Range")
O Lord, Save My Life -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There once was an eagle, a large, strong eagle who would stretch her wings and soar on the air.
Forgive Us Our Trespasses -- Luke 11:4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once Abraham invited a beggar to his tent for a meal.
Teach Us To Pray -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In our Bible story for today, Jesus went up the mountain by himself to pray.
Only The Father Knows -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Sarah was sitting beside the window, looking out at the rain falling.
The Eensy-Weensy Spider -- Psalm 147:8b -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Together the nursery children and I wondered at the beauty and importance of water as part of God's
The Lord's Prayer In "New Haven" -- Luke 11:2-4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time in a town called "New Haven," the mother sat on her son's bed and they talked toget
The Blessing Of God -- Psalm 133 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The psalmist says that God gives good gifts.
Opened Eyes -- Psalm 25:2 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time a grandfather gave his granddaughter, about your age, not a pony, nor a puppy, nor
John The Baptist -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There was once a man named John. He lived in the wilderness, the desert.
The Lord's Prayer -- Luke 11:14 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Jesus sat in the garden with a friend. The air was still. The garden was quiet.
The Glory Of God -- Psalm 19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
It was a new church for Sam.
Timothy's Questions -- Psalm 100:3a -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Who made it? How does it work? What is it for? Why is it here? Where did it come from?
Creation -- Genesis 1:1--2:3 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In the beginning God created Earth.
In The Presence Of God -- Psalm 13 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"But, Grandma, I gave all of my Halloween candy but the M and M's to Brad," she gulped between tears
Trinity Sunday -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
(Read the text aloud.) My granddaughter knows the meaning of Trinity.
36 People -- Matthew 22:36-39 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Talk together: 36 is a special number for the Jewish people. Do you know why?
Moses, The Baby -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time there was an evil king who ordered that all boy Hebrew babies were to be killed.
The Gifts -- Matthew 2:11 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Where are the gifts?" the first wise man asked the other two wise men.
The Monkey Who Wanted Misery -- Romans 8:26a -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Talk together: What is "misery"? What is the very worst thing that might happen to you?
The Christmas Star -- Matthew 2:2 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once, long ago, a new star was born in the sky. Because it was a new star it was very small.
Moses, The Man -- Exodus 3:1-4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"It's burning!" Moses exclaimed, looking at the bush burning before him.
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Call To Worship:

Christian

Christian Faith

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Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
God, I thank you that I am not like other people....-- Luke 18:11b
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.
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret -- it leads only to evil.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and
Christmas 2 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
We, who were first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.-- Psalm 23:1
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart....
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
...
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Psalm 146 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wick
Christmas 2 -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.
Easter 4 -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
...
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who a
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Easter 4 -- John 10:22-30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
...
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.
Epiphany 8 / Ordinary Time 8 / Proper 3 -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2009
...
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow....-- Luke 7:12b
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
Easter 5 -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?-- Acts 11:3
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.-- Luke 19:5b

Drama

SermonStudio

Jesus And Mary Magdalene In The Garden -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Mary Magdalene Peter John Jesus
Ash Wednesday -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 2006
Worship BulletinSilent Procession Of The Cross
The Magi -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?
Jesus On The Road To Emmaus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Cleopas Cleopas' Friend
What Wondrous Love Is This? -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 2006
Worship Bulletin
Even The Least Among You -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them
Jesus And Doubting Thomas -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Peter John Jesus
Silent Procession Of The Cross -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 2006
Worship BulletinSilent Procession Of The Cross
Sampson's First Christmas -- Carlene Morton -- 2006
Sampson's First Christmas Act 1
Jesus By The Sea Of Galilee -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Jesus
Silent Procession Of The Cross -- Donald H. Neidigk -- 2006
Worship BulletinSilent Procession Of The Cross
A Travesty Of Justice: In The Shadow Of The Cross -- Kathy Martz -- 2005
Six Lenten MeditationsThe ThornThe RobeThe NailThe Spear
Gabriel's Horn -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel
Live From Jerusalem -- John O. Eby -- 2005
A Palm Sunday DramaLive From JerusalemCharacters
The Honeymooners -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Abram
Maundy Thursday Testimonies -- David H. Covington -- 2005
The Cleanup Crew -- Haggai 1:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel
God On Trial, Or...? -- John O. Eby -- 2005
CharactersPilateBeelzebubJohannisJesus
The Reading Club -- Nehemiah 8:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Hannah
Sons Of Thunder -- Carol Secord -- 2005
Step Up To The Plate -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Mary
The Animals Learn The Meaning Of Easter -- Will Rabert -- 2005
Characters (15 speaking parts)NarratorRabbitDonkey
Shalom Unravels -- Genesis 37:1-36 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2005
CharactersNarratorBilhahJoseph (teenager)
M.I.H. -- Missing In Heaven -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Easter Sunrise ServiceOrder Of WorshipPrelude
Tongues Of Fire -- Kenneth Carlson -- 2005
This reading was written for four voices.

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

SermonStudio

Heaven -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
St. Peter was talking to some new arrivals in heaven. They
Definitions -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Dennis Erickson, the University of Miami football coach, gives
Hell -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
And of course you remember the fellow who arrived in Hell and
Devil -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Two youngsters were walking home from Sunday school where they
Husbands And Wives -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A woman was fed up with the boring conferences she had to have
Diplomacy -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
One of the late Bishop Kenneth Shanblin's stories was about a
Impossible -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A self-service elevator had a sign which said, "Eighth Floor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

SermonStudio

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
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, O God, we stand within our self-made world and believe that we are seeing all that can be
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Gracious, heavenly Spirit, we come to you with a specific need in mind -- the need of persons who li
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator, your word speaks plainly to us about the seduction of money.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Across the years, Eternal God, there have been many things we desperately wanted.
Sundays after Epiphany -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, God our Sustainer, for the prayer ministry of our church.
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
How unrelenting, Holy Spirit, is your call to serve your kingdom.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Now, dear Lord, that the leaves have fallen to the ground, we've started to grumble.
Sundays in Lent -- Psalm 103:4-5, 12 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
How beautiful and moving, gracious God, are your ways.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we were children, God, time passed so slowly.
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, the closer we draw to Jesus, the more wondrous are his words from the cross, "Father, forgive
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, heavenly One, for your presence.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, how blessed we are that you breathed yourself into us, making us in your image.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We are not always sure how to pray, Eternal Spirit.
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, Our Creator, for the Josephs and Marys of our world.
BE THE LIGHT -- John 11:1-16 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:1-16
CEMETERY -- John 19:38-42 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:38-42
OPENING DEATH'S DARK EYES -- John 11:17-27 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:17-27
WADING IN DEEPER -- John 1:35-51 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 1:35-51
WALKING AWAY BEWILDERED -- John 20:1-10 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:1-10
CRY FOR US -- John 11:28-44 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:28-44
CHRIST IN THE KITCHEN -- John 2:1-11 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 2:1-12
NAME CALLING -- John 20:11-18 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:11-18
ANY ONE OF US -- John 11:45-57 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:45-57
GRACE PLACE -- John 2:13-22 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 2:13-22

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 5:1-8 -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Everyone knows what it's like to surrender in a long, collapsing sigh.
Psalm 22:25-31 -- Psalm 22:25-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A cursory read through of these verses could leave us with the impression that everyone must turn to
Psalm 98 -- Psalm 98 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2009
Some people are gifted in music.
How Well Do You Know Him? -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2009
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do peopl
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.
Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a growing and dangerous form of Christian faith spreading around the land.
Psalm 121 -- Psalm 121 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is perhaps no better feeling than knowing that someone "has your back." Having someone's back
Psalm 8 -- Psalm 8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them...?"
Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm sits with incredible familiarity on the couch next to us.
Psalm 98 -- Psalm 98 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can supp
Work And Rest -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Luke 14:25-33 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I w
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
My computer has a nice little feature.
Psalm 149 -- Psalm 149 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Within the confines of our cultural reality, those who take things into their own hands are showered
Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 122 -- Psalm 122 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In this day of turmoil and violence in the Middle East, a call to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem,"
Psalm 8 -- Psalm 8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm always causes a little consternation.
Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
My daughter hates going down into our basement.
Psalm 98 -- Psalm 98 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Rolling the radio around the stations one morning during summer vacation, it became evident that the
Nothing, Some, Or All -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2009
The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"It's time." These two words charged through the boy's consciousness like an electric shock.
1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Comparisons are something we humans seem unable to avoid.
Psalm 47 -- Psalm 47 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Reading this psalm, one can almost hear the hip-hop beat. "Clap your hands all you people!
Psalm 123 -- Psalm 123 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A wise preacher once said that original sin did not involve an apple or a big snake.
Psalm 8 -- Psalm 8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Knowing one's place in the world is an important thing.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Waiting for Christmas -- James 5:7-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Excitement is building on this the third Sunday of Advent knowing that Christmas will soon be here.
A Breath of Fresh Air -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Tony S. Everett -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
This story has been shared at many church gatherings recently.
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.
What Can We Believe about the Reign of Christ? -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
The church calendar says that this is the day on which we celebrate the festival of Christ the King.
The Total Gift -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the
Peace and Quiet in an Upside-Down World -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Tony S. Everett -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2010
Johnny is four years old and he stopped taking naps before his second birthday.
Jesus Tempted in Us -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
It's good to be here with you.
What Can We Believe about Stuff? -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2010
Today we celebrate the festival of Thanksgiving.
The Best Gift of All -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2010
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve.
Remembering Then; Anticipating When -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Tony S. Everett -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
Today is called Maundy Thursday by Christians throughout the world.
Nicodemus: A Young Old Man -- John 3:1-17 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Sermon Note: This story sermon is best read with a "special" voice reserved for the scripture
The Bridge at Sychar -- John 4:5-42 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
A great deal of the Bible is quite understandable by itself.
The Gift that Matters! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
As we gather on the Sunday after Christmas we do so with a sigh of relief.
What Does Jesus Look Like? -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Tony S. Everett -- Good Friday - A -- 2010
Jenny had spent the past half hour working quietly all by herself at the art table in her Sunday sch
Seeing Jesus -- John 9:1-41 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Josiah Harlan was the first American to enter Afghanistan.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2010
Praise God for all the wonderful things God has done in our lives and in our world!
What Difference Does it Make? -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Tony S. Everett -- Easter Day - A -- 2010
What a joyful day! Throughout the world Christians are gathered to celebrate resurrection...
Where Is Jesus? -- John 11:1-45 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
For the last few years our family has visited The Dalles, Oregon, for Memorial Day to be with my wif
The Light Has Come -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2010
As the Magi scanned the heavens they noticed a star brighter than all the others in the night sky.
Named, Claimed, and Framed -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Tony S. Everett -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
So, here we are just over one week after Easter Sunday. Vigils are finished.
Remembering Jesus -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2010
The novel The Ugly American is based upon facts of how Americans related to people in Southea
Claimed, Framed, Changed -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Tony S. Everett -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
What do athletic coaches, politicians, and preachers have in common?
Looking Down on God -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
One of the most interesting accounts of a creative and surprising story was of a father and his thre
When God Tests Us -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2010
When we get nervous about the unknown, we can make mountains out of mole hills.
Framed, Changed, Challenged -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Tony S. Everett -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
The week before classes began, Harold, a high school history teacher, fell off a step ladder and inj

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

East Of Easter -- Luke 24:13-35 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Easter is past, and if you can think of that momentous event as midnight on a clock, the beginning o
Bring Them To Me -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
The early church certainly liked this story -- it is the only miracle other than the resurrection th
The Shepherd Psalm -- Psalm 23 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
The Shepherd Psalm appears on this Fourth Sunday of Easter every year.
Little Faith -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
If the gospel writer had not identified Peter as the one who wanted to walk on the water, we probabl
Christ Our Cornerstone -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
"Christ is our cornerstone!" That motto was chosen over a century ago for the congregation I now ser
Payback Time -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
If there was ever anyone who had an excuse to look for revenge, it was Joseph.
Attack Or Attract? -- Acts 17:22-31 -- David E. Leininger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
It has been a few years since Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code (New York: Doubleday, 2003
Swords Into Plowshares -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
September 11th.
Clouded Vision -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
There is an ancient apocryphal story about Jesus' arrival at the pearly gates following the ascensio
The Wondrous Gift -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Phillips Brooks was an eloquent Episcopalian preacher in the nineteenth century, famed in his day fo
Sounds Just Like Mom -- John 17:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
We reflected earlier on Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and its assertion that Jesus and Mary M
Streams In The Desert -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
"...
The Force -- Acts 2:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
"May the Force be with you." Everyone recognizes that as the prayer or benediction from the Star
Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
What a mess! Put yourself in Joseph's sandals. A simple man, a carpenter.
Speaking Of God -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- David E. Leininger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
Some things are difficult to talk about. Love, for example.
All I Want For Christmas -- Titus 2:11-14 -- David E. Leininger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth." Remember that?
Under The Rainbow -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Noah and the ark. One of our earliest Sunday school memories.
When Evil Seems To Win -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
"Peace on earth." Ha! Even in the Christmas story, it doesn't last long.
God's Not Done With Me Yet! -- Romans 4:13-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
Abraham. No individual in history is more widely recognized and revered.
What's Right With The Church? -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2007
A denominational executive was scheduled to conduct an officers' retreat for a local church.
Uncommon Laborers -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
Interesting collection of workers Jesus chose to accompany him -- the twelve.
The Christian Family -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
George Burns once quipped, "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family ...
How Not To Be The Father Of The Year -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
It is somehow ironic that the lectionary presents this text around the time America celebrates Fathe
The Power Of Water -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- David E. Leininger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
There is something powerful about water.
The Second Worst Story In The Bible -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
What a horrible story, the second worst one in the entire Bible!

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: You could have stayed in bed,
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
Spring -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6 -- Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
Easter 3 -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Gathering Litany
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: When we have been overwhelmed by the flood of fears,
Epiphany 7 -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: God would teach us to love, even the imperfect people,
Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25 -- Matthew 20:1-16, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Life Of Jesus (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
Opening Prayer/Invocation
Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Matthew 5:38-48, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
Easter 4 -- John 10:1-10, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Psalm 23 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Here, we gather in preparation
Epiphany 8 -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: When our hearts are so heavy
Proper 21 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
LitanyDivide the congregation into four voices.
Life Of Jesus (2) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Epiphany 8/Ordinary Time 8 -- Matthew 6:24-34, Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Psalm 131 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
Gathering Litany P: Light in the darkness; C: song in the silence;
Advent -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is a general prayer for Advent focusing on light and the presence of God with us.
Easter 5 -- John 14:1-14, Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Confession And Forgiveness P: We gather for worship in the name of the one who is
Christmas Day -- Psalm 98 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
(Note: We use Taizé songs for our worship, but other songs can be substituted for other co
Second Sunday In Advent -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date:Reader A:
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: God became an infant

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For December 14, 2025:

CSSPlus

Mary Kay Eichelman
Today I have rolled out the red carpet for you.  We are not famous people, movie stars or royalty, so maybe you have not had this kind of fancy treatment. But often for very important people, red carpet is actually put down for them to walk on.

You would think Jesus, the Son of God, would have had the red carpet prepare the way before Him. Do you know what He had instead? He had a man named John the Baptist. It says in Mathew 11:19,

I will send my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way before you.

Good morning, boys and girls. What am I holding? (Let them answer.) That's right, a loaf of bread. Did any of you eat toast for breakfast this morning? Or did any of you have wheat cereal? (Let them answer.) Bread and (name a wheat cereal) are made from wheat.

Let me ask you another question. Are any of you anxious to see what might be in some of your Christmas presents under your tree? (Let them answer.) You must have great patience to wait until Christmas when you may open them.

That's why I brought this loaf of bread this morning. I want
Leah Thompson
Object: a department store magazine/catalog (or clothing store magazine/catalog)

What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. (v. 8)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
There wasn't much that Adrian was good at, except swimming. He learned to swim when he was little more than a baby, and he loved it. When he was seven he joined a swimming club. It was there that he first met Mr Stevens, the swimming coach.

StoryShare

C. David Mckirachan
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"Truckin'" by C. David McKirachan
"Heretic or Saint?" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * * *


Truckin'
C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 35:1-10

SermonStudio

Elizabeth Achtemeier
This passage has many affinities with the prophecies of Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55), and it has often been attributed to him. But there are differences. In Isaiah 40:3, the "way" is for the Lord, here it is for the redeemed and ransomed (vv. 9-10). In Isaiah 51:11, the reference is to the return from Babylonian exile. Here in verse 10, that context is missing, and those who are returning to Zion are the members of Israel dispersed throughout the ancient Near East. Thus, this text is probably from a time after Second Isaiah and sometime after 538 B.C.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 35:1--10 (C, E, L); Isaiah 35:1--6, 10 (RC)
Paul E. Robinson
Christmas has a way of bringing back memories. One that came to my mind as I was preparing this message was when my family would be driving home at night in the car and my father would lead us in singing a song. To all of us family members who remember those fun, cozy journeys toward home, there are many layers of meaning to the words. The song goes like this:

There's a long, long trail awinding,
Into the land of my dreams,
Where the nightingales are singing
And the white moon beams.
There's a long, long night of waiting
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Be Patient
Message: In the meantime, God.... Lauds, KDM

E-mail from KDM to God. Subject: Be patient. Message: In the meantime, God.... Lauds, KDM.
Susan R. Andrews
It was a painful experience for both of us. Jane was a young mother about my age. She had been on the pastor nominating committee that called us to New Jersey. And we had shared much laughter and friendship through the years. She also was on the session - and that cold November night she seemed edgy and distant. I soon found out why. Following the meeting, she waited for me out in the parking lot. And after I locked the church door, she simply lit into me. "How dare you!" she said. "How dare you push your own political viewpoints down our throats, and abuse your privilege as a pastor!
H. Burnham Kirkland
Theme: Prepare The Way

Call To Worship
Leader: To those wandering in darkness,
People: Christ came as the Light of the World.
Leader: To those who are at odds with others and themselves,
People: Christ is the Prince of Peace.
Leader: To those who seek the presence of the divine,
People: Christ is Emmanuel, God with us.
All: Come, let us anticipate the advent of our Lord.

Invocation

Robert S. Jarboe
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)

Date:

Reader A:

Reader B:

Introit
(As the introit is being sung, Readers A and B come forward and stand by the Advent wreath until the music is finished.)

Litany
Reader A: Please turn to the Advent litany in your bulletins.
(Pause as they do so.)
Let all who take refuge in God be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
O God, spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Inevitably it happens to any adult or any church leader toward the end of the year, or the time their driver's license expires. Despite the well-intended efforts to try to settle it through the mail, we end up in a long line at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Typically there is a little box with numbers one is supposed to take so they may be identified when the clerk calls for that number's turn in line. The wait can be very tedious. The workers and customers are both tired and anxious with each unique personal vehicle issue.

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