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If I Should Wake Before I Die -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he
Facing Temptation -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Jack swung at the ball and missed again.
We Live By Faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants th
See What You Want To See -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishin
Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio? -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were de
Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Kirk shouted as he ran through the doors of the school after his friend. “Hey, Johnny!”
Troubling Religious Cliches -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2024
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with
Deliverance from Hell -- 1 Peter 4:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Good Friday - B -- 2024
For this is reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been jud
Back and Forward -- John 20:1-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
“Dad?” Susan flipped on a light in the living room.
Heavenly Bodies and Earthly Bodies -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the
Who Knew? -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (v. 1)
Death Will Be No More -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt -- New Year's Day - B -- 2024
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and th
Do Angels Really Exist? -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and
Not Quite A Dial of Destiny -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2024
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Magi[
Abiding in Jesus -- John 15:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree.
Babies Are Powerful -- Mark 1:4-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2024
In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And j
The Invitation -- John 1:43-51 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2024
Tim walked up the stairs of the church and paused. He hadn’t been to church in so many years.
The Evil in All of Us -- Mark 1:14-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news[
I Can See Clearly Now -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
We use the word epiphany to refer to moments when we really see people, places, or things for what t
Casting Out Demons in Ohio -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demo
A Sanctuary from the Fire -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of
Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
John sat in the park bench and watched the people going into church.
The Suffering Servant -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Good Friday - A -- 2023
Jenna frowned as she looked at the textbook in front of her.
Let the Redeemed Tell Their Story -- Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
An Easter Moment -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Easter Day - A -- 2023
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know tha

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Death Will Be No More -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt -- New Year's Day - B -- 2024
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and th
Not Quite A Dial of Destiny -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2024
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Magi[
Do Angels Really Exist? -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and
Babies Are Powerful -- Mark 1:4-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2024
In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And j
Abiding in Jesus -- John 15:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree.
The Invitation -- John 1:43-51 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2024
Tim walked up the stairs of the church and paused. He hadn’t been to church in so many years.
The Evil in All of Us -- Mark 1:14-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news[
I Can See Clearly Now -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
We use the word epiphany to refer to moments when we really see people, places, or things for what t
Casting Out Demons in Ohio -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demo
A Sanctuary from the Fire -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of
If I Should Wake Before I Die -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he
Facing Temptation -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Jack swung at the ball and missed again.
We Live By Faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants th
The Unbroken Circle -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2024
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you…. (v. 23)
See What You Want To See -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishin
Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio? -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were de
Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Kirk shouted as he ran through the doors of the school after his friend. “Hey, Johnny!”
Troubling Religious Cliches -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2024
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with
Deliverance from Hell -- 1 Peter 4:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Good Friday - B -- 2024
For this is reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been jud
Back and Forward -- John 20:1-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
“Dad?” Susan flipped on a light in the living room.
Heavenly Bodies and Earthly Bodies -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the
Who Knew? -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (v. 1)
The Plentiful Harvest -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2023
Paul watched the people streaming through the door of the church hall for the community meal.
Crying Out In Ukraine -- Jeremiah 20:7-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2023
“For whenever I speak, I must cry out;    I must shout, “Violence and destruction!”
How to Treat Strangers -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2023
Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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