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Cynthia E. Cowen

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Children's program

SermonStudio

All Clear At Midnight -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2000
BulletinAll Clear At Midnight A Children's Christmas Program
Women Of The Light -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsLeaderWomen of the Light:
A Mother's Heart: A Celebration Of Women -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsLeaderFive women:
A Journey With Prayer -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsBulletin:Participants
A Lenten Holy Week Journey -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsNarratorSix Readers:
No Fooling! A Look At The Month Of April -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsOptional Opening Devotion: A Dose Of Fun!
God's Flower Garden -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipants Greta Gardener (narrator) Dandy Lion
Bloom Where You're Planted -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's Helps
God's Pentecost Pantry -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's Helps
This Year's Most Distinguished Water Person Contest -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsMaster/Mistress of Ceremony Miriam
Celebrating God's Gift Of Hope -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsNarrator
Hats Off To Jesus! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsPreparation
Dem Bones -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's Helps
I Am The Vine: A Harvest Of Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsLeader (Gardener)
God's Advent Rainbow -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipants Leader
The Gifts Of Blessing From Faith, Hope, And Love -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Worship ServiceLeader's HelpsParticipants
January -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
1. Women Of The Light

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

All Things Possible -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
“...for God all things are possible.” (v. 27b)
Wise People Still Look For Jesus -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
The Point: Seek Jesus with your wealth, your worship, and your life
Claimed A Child Of God -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2016
The Point: In our baptism God claims us as his children
Jesus Had Power -- John 2:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus came with power and authority
The Lord's Blessing -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus came to invite everyone into God’s loving family
Tell The Truth -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2016
The Point: Telling the truth doesn’t mean that it will be easy or fun
Your Greatest Treasurer -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
The Point: Your greatest treasure is not laid up on earth but in heaven
Jesus First -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: There are many options in life, choose to put Jesus first
God Gathers His Children -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: God gathers us in his grace to protect us
Repent And Trust In God's Grace -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: Bad things happen in life. Look to God and trust in his grace.
God Is Our Loving Father -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus wants us to know about God our Father
Jesus, Ruler Of The Universe -- John 12:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: this miracle reveals that Jesus has authority over the material world
Who Is Greatest? -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2016
The Point: in God’s kingdom the greatest is a servant of all
Love Each Other -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2016
The Point: if you care for the simplest needs of others, you are loving with a humb
The Truth -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Good Friday - C -- 2016
The Point: the truth is that we all need a Savior
The Empty Tomb -- John 20:1-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Easter Day - C -- 2016
The Point: the empty tomb was full of good news
Believing With Your Heart -- John 20:19-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: don’t just know about Jesus, believe in Jesus with your heart
Do You Love Jesus? -- John 21:1-19 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus wants us to love him not as a bother but as a Savior
True Security -- John 10:22-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: in the hands of Jesus we are secure for all eternity
A New Commandment -- John 13:31-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: love one another as Jesus has loved us
The Light Of The Holy Spirit -- John 14:23-29 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: in the light of the Holy Spirit we can grow in our understanding of the
Unity, Jesus Prayer For Us -- John 17:20-26 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus prays for unity among his followers
Dazzling White -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus makes us dazzling white
Witness To The Saving Work Of Jesus -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
The Point: as Jesus ascends to heaven we are left to be his witnesses in the world
The Promised Holy Spirit -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2016
The Point: the promised Holy Spirit has come to empower our faith and instruct our

Church Programs

SermonStudio

God's Messengers Of Faith, Hope, And Love -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
The Armor Of God -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Just Look At All Those Trees! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
In Pursuit Of The Right Spirit -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
The Exodus Murmurers -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Where Do I Belong? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Women Bearing Gifts -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Blessed By God In Friendship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
A Heart Filled With Love -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
From Slavery To Sainthood! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Lenten Hopes -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Women Blessing Through Marriage -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
A Humorous Look At Some Hopeful Women -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
A Sundae Treat -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
God's Picnic Basket -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2013) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Isaiah 60:1-6
Romance stories touch my heart... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Romance stories touch my heart, but give me a "mystery," one with good suspense. Great reading!
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (OT 3) Cycle C (2013) -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2013) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
Isaiah 43:1-7
One summer Beth discovered the joy of creation... -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
One summer Beth discovered the joy of creation.
Infant baptism is often remembered through a baby book picture... -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
Infant baptism is often remembered through a baby book picture, a baptismal napkin or candle, a sign
Listen up, Jared, or you will fail your final test... -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
"Listen up, Jared, or you will fail your final test," Ms. Borns warned.
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle to put away his vestments, he could he
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
On Valentine's Day romantics old or young have the opportunity to declare their love.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
"Please give me your attention," the flight attendant announced.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2012) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Ruth 1:1-18
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Vera was a unique woman. During her marriage she birthed two natural sons.
NULL -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Wherever Anne went, she ran each morning.
NULL -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Mrs. Edwards had a passion for teaching.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2012) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 1:4-20
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
"God's not answering my prayer. Why don't my children call me or visit?
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Question: What state records the greatest number of earthquakes along with volcanic eruptions
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King Sunday (Proper 29) (2012) -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2012) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Evan was graduating.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | OT 23 (2012) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2012) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2012) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 1:20-33
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2012) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Women! 4 Positions OpenPalms' Inn & Supper Club
NULL -- John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Three-year-old Benjamin pranced around wearing his Burger King crown.

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.

SermonStudio

The Coat Off Your Back -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Thanksgiving -- cornucopias, fall harvests, turkey and pumpkin pie, corn stalks, and scarecrows -- o
Jesus Makes All The Difference -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
Our gospel reading for this Epiphany Sunday is a marvelous story about confrontation.
Only The Best -- John 2:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2009
In areas where wine is made, there are places many go to sample the different varieties offered by e
Love Walked Across The Field -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
The ministry of Jesus was on a roll.
Fit The Picture -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
It was the History Day Parade at James T. Jones Elementary School.
The Ashes Of Our Lives -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
When she was a teenager, Cindy worked for her father.
Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
She stood peeking out from behind the curtains.
How Firm A Foundation -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2009
Every night after work and on weekends, Eric worked on building his cabin.
Bridge Builders -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2009
As the three cousins ran through the woods, jumping over fallen trees, zigzagging through knee-high
A Concert Of Praise -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The Christmas concert was about to begin. The professional musicians were ready.
Don't Touch Me With That Water! -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2009
"Fill the glasses with water, honey. Daddy's guests will be here soon," Mother said.
Risk Takers -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
"Louise, can you and Pastor Hal come to Thanksgiving dinner at our house this Friday?
Go, Climb A Mountain! -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2009
The plane from Amsterdam to Africa was crowded.
Christmas Grass And Easter Tinsel -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
I think there are two items that seem never to disappear.
Don't Burn The Cookies! -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Today we enter the season of Advent.
Go, Johnny, Go, Go, Go! -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Every Sunday, a church broadcasts a one-hour service over the waves of 1450 WMIQ, the local radio st
Fire! Fire! -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
After this second Sunday of Christmas, the church will enter the season of Epiphany.
Tradition Can Be Changed -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Tradition is defined as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought or action.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Draw Of The Magnet -- John 12:20-33 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
A young child sat at the wooden picnic table in the back yard
The Lost Notebook -- James 5:13-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
They entered the house drained from the night.
And The Wind Came Up -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
It was going to be a beautiful summer evening. The sun
Here Comes The Bride -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
David adjusted his cuff links and straightened his tie. He

StoryShare

Abiding In Christ -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Frank R. Fisher, B. Kathleen Fannin, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week
First -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank R. Fisher, Constance Berg, Cynthia E. Cowen, Gregory L. Tolle -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Passing Over To The Other Side -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- C. David Mckirachan, Cynthia E. Cowen, Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Miracle"

Worship

SermonStudio

Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2003
ContentsWorship BulletinChristmas ProgramLeader's Helps
O Come, Blessed Light Of The World! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
LightsAdvent Devotions O Come, Blessed Light Of The World!
Celebrating The Advent Wreath -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
BulletinCelebrating The Advent Wreath A Special Advent Service
Christmas Symbols And Songs -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsChristmas Symbols And Songs Program Participants:
Angels Inspire Our Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsWorship Leader
Angels In The Outfield -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsAngels In The Outfield Worship Leader
A Christmas Worship Service -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
A Christmas CelebrationA Christmas Worship Service
God's Shining Lights -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Sunday Morning Holy CommunionCall To Worship:
Litany Of Freedom -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Memorial Day ObservanceIntroductory Comments:
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
Behold The Glory Of The Lord -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Nursing Home Service With Holy CommunionInvocation:
Healing Of Divisions -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Prayer ServiceHymn: ''What A Friend We Have In Jesus''Call To Prayer:
Love, Love, Love - That's What It's All About -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Youth Service For Mother's DayCall To Worship:
We Celebrate The Creator -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Opening To A Special MeetingCall To Worship
Baptism -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Introductory Comments
Lakeside Service With Communion -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
A Galilean Service
Showers Of Blessing -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Worship Service With A SkitLeader's Helps
Blessing Through Marriage -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Anniversary Of Marriage ServiceHymn: ''Blest Be The Tie That Binds''
The Blessing of Giving -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Post--Lenten Ingathering Service
A Feast Of Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Following Soup And Sandwich SupperWe Prepare Our Hearts
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
For All The Saints -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Call To Worship
Believing We Belong -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
A Celebration Service Of Holy CommunionWe Believe We Belong To A Merciful God
We Belong In God's Presence -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Closing Night ServiceWe Belong In God's PresenceInvocation:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: An old, worn-out shoe and an old banana.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For May 18, 2025:
  • Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Chris Keating based on Acts 11:1-18 and John 13:31-35. As Peter, popes, pastors, and even pew-sitters learn, change often becomes the smokescreen that conceals deeper conflicts that keep us from loving as Jesus commanded.
  • Second Thoughts: Giving and Accepting Love by Tom Willadsen based on John 13:31-35.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 11:1-18
Who do we exclude? In the days of the early church, everything was about purity, about the acts that made one a member of the Jewish community first and then a part of “the way” of Jesus. Imagine the horror among the crowds of the faithful when Peter traveled to the Gentiles, to those who did not believe in the one true God before Jesus came into the world. Yet, Peter is clear. He has had a vision and, in that vision, was declared, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” God ordains who is included, not people.
David Kalas
The old idiom claims of certain people, “To know them is to love them.” A variation on the saying might be appropriate when talking about the Lord.  Specifically, we might say that to know him is not merely to love him, but to know that he is love.

This may seem like an unspectacular statement to church folks.  I fear that we are perhaps so accustomed to the affirmation that God is love that we no longer recognize the profundity of it. Or the scandal of it.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
‘See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them and be their God;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.’
(vv. 3-4)

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
We continue this Easter season with the epistolary readings from Revelation. In this reading, we see the final vision of the world to come: the new heaven and the new earth, the new Jerusalem. This is also an apocalyptic vision, the vision the seer shared with us of the end of the world as we know it. This is a writing about a prophetic promise of what is to come at the end of time as we know it. John’s vision is almost complete and we may be comforted by this vision of what is to come.
James Evans
(See Christmas 1, Cycle A; Christmas 1, Cycle B; and Christmas 1, Cycle C for alternative approaches.)

The theme of this psalm is the glory of God. The praise is extravagant and unrestrained. The psalmist makes good use of repetitive themes to drive home the central message of the psalm, namely that God is worthy of praise. The psalmist, with great deliberation, leads worshipers through a litany of causes and effects that demonstrate the praiseworthiness of God.

David Kalas
Professional sports has no statistic for measuring talking. Yet talking can be an important part of the game.

We can measure how fast a player pitches or serves. We keep statistics on batting averages, shooting percentages, and quarterback ratings. We track yards-after-catch, on-base percentages, and shots on goal. We record height and weight, wins-and-losses, and times in the 40-yard dash. But we have no way of measuring a player's talking.
John M. Braaten
It is often difficult for Christians to get past the idea that those who have given themselves to the Lord should be treated a little better than the average woman or man who does not possess a living faith. In other words, there ought to be some kind of return for what you have done for God, for what you have given in time, energy and money. That doesn't sound outrageous, does it? In this "you get what you deserve" world, you really ought to be rewarded. Harmless as that sounds, it is the first step toward a theology of glory.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Special Occasion

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