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Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 17, Pentecost 15, Ordinary Time 22 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Seasonal Theme
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - B
The Ascension of Our LordRevised CommonActs 1:1-11Ephesians 1:15-23
Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Seasonal Theme
All Saints' Day -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - B
Theme For The Day
Proper 15, Pentecost 13, Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 14, Pentecost 12, Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Seasonal Theme
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Seasonal Theme
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Seasonal Theme
Proper 12, Pentecost 10, Ordinary Time 17 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
This passage, according to Luke, Jesus quoted in his hometown church in Nazareth.
The Unclean Spirit -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
What's Happening?
Proper 11, Pentecost 9, Ordinary Time 16 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Seasonal Theme
The Healing Of Simon Peter's Mother-In-Law -- Mark 1:29-31, Matthew 8:14-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
1. Text
Proper 10, Pentecost 8, Ordinary Time 15 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
An Introduction To Ephesians
The Leper Healed -- Mark 1:40-45, Matthew 8:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
1. Text
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Seasonal Theme
Healing The Paralyzed Man -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
1. Text
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Fourth Sunday In LentRevised CommonNumbers 21:4-9Ephesians 2:1-10
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Second Sunday After ChristmasRevised CommonJeremiah 31:7-14
The Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6, Matthew 12:9-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
1. Text
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Seasonal Theme
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Seasonal Theme

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Greed: Putting Things In Their Proper Perspective -- 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Matthew 6:25-34 -- R. Curtis Fussell -- 1997
Mr. Jones had a job that gave him a comfortable income. He enjoyed fishing and motorhome camping.
A Prayer For Your Marriage -- Robert Howard Clausen -- 1997
(This wedding address was for a young couple, both active members of the church.)
Paradoxes Of The Christian Faith -- Matthew 10:34-39 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
There is something strange and paradoxical about the faith of Christians, and many people struggle t
Love And Friendship -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A boy was asked about his family, when he enrolled for church school.
Gluttony: Living By Bread And The Word Of God -- 1 Timothy 4:4-10 -- R. Curtis Fussell -- 1997
Every day at about 10:30 in the morning and then about 3:30 in the afternoon, I need a little snack
The Mathematics of Marriage -- William Mckee Aber -- 1997
(Written for the wedding of two college students.
The Need to Believe that Life Is Meaningful and Has Purpose -- Luke 18:18-30 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
Take Off The Grave Clothes! -- John 11:38-44 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
Today our lesson paints a poignant picture of one of the most famous of Jesus' acts: raising Lazarus
The Victory Of Faith -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Planes drop out of the sky, killing all passengers.
Leeches Or Lovers -- Leslie F. Brandt -- 1997
We can make grandiose statements about our willingness to forgive or to tolerate the atrocities of o
The Need for a Sense of Community and Deeper Relationships -- John 15:13-17 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
The African Foundations Of Christianity -- Exodus 4:1-7 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
In surveying the vast and rich history of African--American people, we must go beyond the shores of
Life In His Name -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
In 1922, a marvelous treasure was unearthed in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue -- Kenneth H. Sauer -- 1997
(A general wedding homily built around the traditions)
The Need to Be Appreciated and Respected -- Mark 1:10-11 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
African--American Spirituality: The African's Gift To America -- Exodus 3:1-10 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
As we commence celebrations of Black History this month, I want to say what a wonderful thing that w
Friday -- The Good One -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A youngster in Sunday School asked the pastor, "If Jesus died on Friday, why do we call it good?"
Marriage As Crisis -- Leslie F. Brandt -- 1997
The time of marriage is a time of crisis.
The Need to Be Listened to and Heard -- Luke 8:8b -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
Joy Songs, Trumpet Blasts, And Hallelujah Shouts! -- Joshua 6:1-21 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
The Israelites have come to the end of a long, long journey.
Adoption Into God's Family -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Any parent who has adopted a child knows the joy of bringing a new member into the family.
We Belong To Each Other -- Kenneth H. Sauer -- 1997
This is a great day for John and Susan, for their families, for friends.
The Need to Feel that One Is Growing in Faith -- John 8:31-36 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
The Gospel Of Our Calling -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A friend related to me how, when he was a youngster, he spent a lot of time on the other side of the
Let God Be The Go-Between -- Paul L. Winemiller Jr. -- 1997
Text: Mark 10:7-9: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined t

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ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY -- Psalm 34:1-10, Isaiah 26:1-4, 8-9, 12-13, 19-21, Revelation 7:9-17, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Norman A. Beck -- All Saints Day - A -- 1986
The relationship between God and the "saints" is the basic theme of these texts and of this occasion
PROPER 14 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1986
Perhaps the unifying factor that all six of these texts have in common is that the human condition i
God expresses mercy when we deserve wrath -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Love your neighbor as yourself -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
ASCENSION DAY -- Psalm 47, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:46-53 -- Norman A. Beck -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1986
The Ascension accounts in Luke-Acts (Luke 24:44-53 and Acts 1:1-11) and in Matthew 28:16-20 accompli
PROPER 15 -- Romans 11:13-1 6, 29-32, Matthew 15:21-28, Exodus 16:2-15, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1986
The emphasis in all of these texts except the Common selections Exodus 16:2-15 and Psalm 78:1-3, 10-
ASH WEDNESDAY -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Psalm 51:1-12, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Norman A. Beck -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1986
Each year as we consider the meaning of Lent and the significance we would like it to have for us an
David is anointed King -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, John 9:1-41 -- Heth H. Corl -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 16 -- Psalm 95, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1986
The first factor that is common to most of the texts selected for this occasion is interest in God's
God's loving presence -- Exodus 33:12-23, Philippians 2:1-13 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1986
WorshipPastor:
Called to be in mission -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Epiphany 1 -- Psalm 29, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Norman A. Beck -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1986
There are no texts within the Old Testament Scriptures that point specifically to the "Baptism of ou
God's love is like that of a husband for his bride -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1986
Call To WorshipPastor:
PROPER 17 -- Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 114, Exodus 19:1-9 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1986
In most of these texts, persons who are trying to serve God are depicted as engaged in intense strug
CHRISTMAS 1 -- Psalm 111, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Norman A. Beck -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1986
The emphasis in most of the texts selected for this occasion is on the responsibilities of God as Fa
The redemptive Servant -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Heth H. Corl -- Good Friday - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 18 -- Exodus 19:16-24, Psalm 115:1-11, Romans 13:1-10, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1986
When these seven texts are studied within their contexts, it becomes apparent that they share the th
Joshua succeeds Moses -- Numbers 27:12-23, Philippians 3:12-21 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
CHRISTMAS 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18, John 1:1-18 -- Norman A. Beck -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1986
The most significant concept within these texts is probably the concept of the word of God objectifi
The Messiah is endowed with God's Spirit -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13 -- Heth H. Corl -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 19 -- Exodus 20:1-20, Psalm 19:7-14, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1986
God's forgiveness of us and our forgiveness of others clearly dominates the thought of most of the t
True worship is sharing with the needy -- Isaiah 58:3-9a -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:We worship God by giving ourselves in devotion to him.
CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY -- Psalm 96, Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Norman A. Beck -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1986
The birthday of Jesus is celebrated more than any other birthday in the world.
The obedient Servant -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Heth H. Corl -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
God's call of Abraham -- Genesis 12:1-4a (4b-8) -- Heth H. Corl -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 5
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
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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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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