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Reading Faces -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children learn how to tell what another person might be feeling.
Black And White -- 1 John 1:9-11 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many of you are good at coloring?
The Easter Lily -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1996
Purpose: To help children understand the meaning of Easter.
The Spear -- John 19:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A spear
The Empty Tomb -- Matthew 28:2-6 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A picture of an empty tomb
The Ladder And The Sponge -- Matthew 27:45-49 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A ladder and a sponge
The Dice And The Robe -- John 19:23-24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:Dice and a robe
The Crown Of Thorns -- Matthew 27:26b-30 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A crown of thorns
The Rope -- John 18:12-13 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object:A rope
The Lantern -- John 18:3 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1995
Object: A lantern
On Using Problems -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about the reason for problems in life.
Know Your Limitations -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to live with our limitations.
Zero -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to handle failure.
Can You Go Home Again? -- Luke 2:1-7 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"All went to their own towns to be registered.
Learning From Riddles -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to take care of ourselves.
The Saving Prayer -- Matthew 26:31-35 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
The head of a seminary, a school for ministers, told of all the teachers there voting to picket, to
Symbols Of Thanksgiving -- Stone And Rope -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress our need to thank God for all the good things
Tell God When You Are Happy -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Erskine White -- 1993
"And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.' " (v
The Sawhorse -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show that even simple things can be used to serve God.
The Unwanted Cup -- Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
Our sacred story for today tells of Jesus, when he knew he was about to die, going to the Garden to
The Wishbone -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: How to reach our goals in life.Material: A chicken or turkey wishbone.
What Are You Looking Forward To? -- Luke 2:21-35 -- Erskine White -- 1993
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout
Wave The Flags -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about what it means to say, "One nation under God."
The Betraying Kiss -- Matthew 26:47-50, Mark 14:43-50 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
(The following questions are rhetorical questions, not requiring an answer):
What Shall You Give? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To share with the children some wonderful gifts they can

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Lent 4 -- Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.-- Psalm 23:1
Advent 1 -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provisions for the flesh, to gratify its desir
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / OT 25 -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith....
With My Voice I Cry To The LORD -- Psalm 142 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.
Proper 12 / Pentecost 10 / OT 17 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
"Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes."-- Matthew 13:51
LORD, You Have Been Our Dwelling Place In All Generations -- Psalm 90 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
From everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn us back to dust,
Easter 6 -- Psalm 66:8-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
... we went through fire and through water, yet you have brought us to a spacious place.
O LORD My God, In You I Take Refuge -- Psalm 7 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, my God, in you I take refuge;
Do You Indeed Decree What Is Right, You Gods? -- Psalm 58 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Do you judge people fairly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs;
The Baptism Of Our Lord / Epiphany 1 / OT 1 -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
...
Lent 4 -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light....
Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / OT 25 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
... Or are you envious because I am generous?-- Matthew 20:15
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / OT 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
... Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?"
Hear My Prayer, O LORD -- Psalm 143 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Do not enter into judgment with your servant,
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / OT 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with Go
You Who Live In The Shelter Of The Most High -- Psalm 91 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge ...
Easter 6 -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope th
O LORD, Our Sovereign, How Majestic Is Your Name -- Psalm 8 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! ...
Deliver Me From My Enemies, O God -- Psalm 59 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Deliver me from those who work evil ... Each evening they come back,
Epiphany 2 / OT 2 -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
... The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me.
Lent 4 -- John 9:1-41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
... One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.-- John 9:25
Advent 2 -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire o
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / OT 26 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have hea
Blessed Be The LORD, My Rock -- Psalm 144 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Blessed be the LORD ... my rock and my fortress,

Drama

SermonStudio

A Thorn -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-6 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersJessica: a sick singer who wants to make a career singing
Miracle In The Bethlehem Inn -- Mary Lou Warstler -- 1993
WelcomePrayerCarol "O Little Town Of Bethlehem"Scene I
Power -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Inheritance -- Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersAttorney: middle-aged, can be male or female
Blow The Trumpet! -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Food -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, John 6:1-21 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersKristen: female, college age or older
Paul's Early Life Through His Conversion -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Paul! Paul! May I speak with you?
Everyone's Invited To The Feast! -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:14-29 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Easter Day - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Years Of Suspicion -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Paul, when we left off talking the last time, you were
Billy Belief And Donald Doubt -- Acts 3:12a, 13-15, 17-26, 1 John 5:1-6, John 20:19-31, Psalm 111 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The First Missionary Journey -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Well, Paul. I'm eager to hear of this new chapter in your life.
Sherman Skeptical And Rodney Rude -- Micah 4:1-5, Acts 4:5-12, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 98 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Gospel Reaches Europe -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Well, Paul. This time when you, as an old hand, started
B-a-a-a-a! -- Ezekiel 34:1-10, John 10:11-16, Psalm 23 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Third Journey And Trials In Caesarea -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: Paul, after you came home from your second journey, did you visit Jerusalem?
Love: A True/False Quiz -- Acts 8:26-40, John 14:15-21 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Journey To Rome & Paul's Last Days -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: So Paul, it was Festus and Agrippa who sent you off on your fourth journey.
Righteous Rudy And Judgmental Judy -- Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:9-17, Psalm 33 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Prodigal Son -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
So he returned home to his father.
'Wow, I Just Won The Lottery ... I Think!' -- Acts 1:15-26, John 17:11b-19 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Great Feast -- Luke 14:24 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
Symbol And Reality -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-13, Psalm 25 -- John A. Tenbrook -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Ten Virgins -- Matthew 25:10-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
My Son, My Only Son! -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 8:31-39, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 16 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts
The Unprofitable Servant -- Matthew 25:19, 21, 26 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:

Easter

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SermonStudio

Seize The Day -- Psalm 90:1-6, 12-17 -- 2006
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2006
(See Lent 5, Cycle B, and Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18, Cycle B, for alternative appro
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24 -- Psalm 14 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
Christmas Eve -- Psalm 96 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Psalm 96 is an enthronement psalm.
Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28 -- Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2006
Psalm 106 is recitation of the sins of Israel, an enumeration of the ways in which the nation failed
Easter 2 -- Psalm 150 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Psalm 150 offers eloquent testimony to the power of repetition.
Lent 5 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stan Purdum -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
(See Ash Wednesday, Cycle A, and Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18, Cycle B, for alternativ
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Vengeance/Injustice/Anger -- Psalm 94 -- 2006
O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.
Lent 1 -- Psalm 32 -- Stan Purdum -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 18/Pentecost 16/Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
(See Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2, Cycle B, and Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9, Cycle B; see
Christmas Day -- Psalm 97 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas Day, Cycle A; see also Easter 7, Cyc
Proper 24/Pentecost 22/Ordinary Time 29 -- Psalm 99 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2006
(See The Transfiguration Of Our Lord/Last Sunday After The Epiphany, Cycles A and C.)
Easter 3 -- Psalm 30 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(For alternative approaches, see Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B; and Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Or
Lent 5 -- Psalm 119:9-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
The reason for this alternate lectionary selection, culled from the longest of the psalms, is undoub
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day We are all wanderers, dependent on the providence of God.
Help/Strength/Comfort -- Psalm 121 -- 2006
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?
Lent 2 -- Psalm 121 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
This is a hymn of praise.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 17/Pentecost 15/Ordinary Time 22 -- Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
The writer of Psalm 81 employs a most interesting mixed metaphor.
Christmas Day -- Psalm 98 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
This psalm gives us the proper theme for a Christmas Day celebration: "Make a joyful noise to the Lo
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2006
Psalm 90 is a prayer, expressing gratitude for God's abiding presence in the face of the transient a
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- James Evans -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle A, and Easter 4, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Spiritual Resuscitation -- Romans 8:6-11 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
One spring when I was about ten, I was home alone after school.
All In The Family -- 1 John 3:1-31 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
"Surprise!
Storm Walker -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
The call came on a Sunday after church just as we were sitting down to lunch.
Unwanted Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Chris Ewing -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
The trouble with words is that they can mean so many different things, depending on who is using the
Putting The Genie Back In The Bottle ... -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
When our twins were quite young -- infants really -- I remember a scene that played out on our livin
Strong In God's Name -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Lee Griess -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
A young man was sent to Spain by his company to work in a new office they were opening there.
Looking At Jesus From Behind Prison Bars -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
How different things must have looked for John behind prison walls.
Experiencing Second Chances -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Why is it that if someone says there are a billion stars out, we never question the accuracy?
The Road No One Wants To Travel -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Some time ago, I was riding a train through central England and a man boarded at one of the stops.
Humility: We Know It When We See It -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2007
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the Illinois Republican Presidential nomination in this way: Lincoln's
Mentoring Matters -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
A man, a woman, a house, and a pitchfork.
Foreign Territory -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
I grew up "poor" -- or so I thought.
All Who Share This Hope -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Chris Ewing -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
There's nothing like a week with two funerals, a wedding, Halloween celebrations, a community farewe
Being A Blessing -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Have you ever been blessed by someone?
Faith To Follow -- John 3:1-17 -- Lee Griess -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
How much faith does it take to follow? How much trust in God must we have?
Center Stage -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Now that Matthew has finished his genealogy, he starts his narrative.
Lent 4 -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-24 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
Personal Politics -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Thomas Browne said that "the vices we scoff at in others laugh at us from within ourselves." More th
The Ordinary In God's Hands -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
The apostle Paul writes to a church where he was the founding pastor.
Tomb It May Concern -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
One of the first things Pastor Susan heard about when she moved from Ohio to the mountains of North
Are You Ready For Christmas? -- Isaiah 40:3-4, Luke 2:1-7 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
As we approach Christmas, the question will be heard on many lips: "Are you ready for Christmas?" A
Masks -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
There are going to be a lot of people running around out there with masks on this week.
Streams Of Living Water -- John 4:5-42 -- Lee Griess -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Streams of living water ...
A Shepherd's Story -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that.
Experiencing Extravagant Worship -- John 12:1-8 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Gentlemen, imagine that you want to take your wife or girlfriend on an extravagant date.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A frustrated mother of three very lively boys went to the manager of the local grocery and begged, "
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The world needs true examples of holiness.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I don't think there are enough devils in hell to take a young person from the arms of a godly mothe
Sweet/Salty Love -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
While waiting at the beauty salon, I was captivated by an article in People magazine (January
Extraordinary Ordinary Things -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Catchy quotes help us envision things that are hard to understand.
The Stolen Generation -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
In an October 2, 2000, Time magazine article written by Terry McCarthy, Archie Roach recounts
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Cross
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit gives love, inspires eternal hope, and sets the spiritual captive free.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
One Mother's Day card read, "Now that we have a mature, adult relationship there is something I'd li
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The greatest benefit of holiness is that it results in eternal life.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The will to excel is through the Spirit from God.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Child
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Honesty
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Virginity
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Automation: a technological process that performs all the work while we just sit there.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fear
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God does not force holiness on you ... He offers it to you free of charge.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Pride
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Henry Ward Beecher: "The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
Attending To The Needs Of Others First -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
John was tired. He could hardly stand up. He needed rest. Mrs.
Conscience-Building -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Trace was known for his strong, durable buildings.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Cross

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Children's Activity -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Olive oil is at the heart of the anointing service, and that oil comes, of course, from olives and o
NULL -- Luke 6:38 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Give, and it will be given to you.
NULL -- 1 Timothy 6:9a, 11b -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong things to get mo
Theme: Spell My Name With An "H" -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 22:23-24) One:
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 19:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA celebration of the God who is our foundation. Leader:
NULL -- Genesis 4:4 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
Christmas Eve -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Give Me Back What The Bugs Stole -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Life Beyond The Dead -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
NULL -- Luke 12:48 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded;
When called to go to a place... -- Hebrews 11:8 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheri
Theme: "No's" That Mean "Yes"! -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:1-4) One:
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship.Based on Psalm 111. Leader:
NULL -- Genesis 14:19, 20b -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth ..."
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: When God Began To Create ... -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Silent Lips, Praying Lips -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)Call To Worship (1 Samuel 2:1-2, 8)
NULL -- Luke 16:10, 11 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever
NULL -- Hebrews 13:5 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, beca
Theme: Snake Eyes -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 107:17-22) One:
Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalm 84, John 6:56-69 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipVerses from Psalm 84. Leader:
NULL -- Genesis 28:22 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "And this memorial pillar shall become a place for worship;
Third Sunday in Advent -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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Easter 4
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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34 – Commentary / Exegesis
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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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