Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Grow Like A Fruit Tree -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an ax
Stumbling Blocks -- 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: things that might be on the floor in a typical child's room before it is cleaned: clo
Why Is Sunday Special? -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some aspirin or some other kind of pill or capsule
An Empty Box -- John 20:1-2, 11-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a new, empty crayon box
The Clean Plate Club -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: bread crumbs
More Important Than We Thought -- Luke 20:9-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a garage sale item such as a picture or a lamp
Do You Choose Marge Or Chris? -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a candy bar and a glass of milk
Jumping With Help -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: string or rope
Suffering ... A Good Teacher -- Hebrews 5:7-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a speeding ticket
Shower The People -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The experience of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
God Is Love -- 1 John 4:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ice and some rubber balls
Look What Water Does! -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: water at the baptismal font
How Refreshing! -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses
Standing Room Only -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs ("Standing Room Only," "Full," or "Sold Out")
The Spear -- John 19:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a spear
A Lesson From Lettuce -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a good head of lettuce and a spoiled head of lettuce (or some other produce)
The Shouting Stones -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use on Palm Sunday)
You Need All The Pieces -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jigsaw puzzle
You're Worth A Million -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a make--believe check for $1,000,000 (be sure to void the check!) and an old rag
God Sees Right Through -- Hebrews 4:9-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big piece of clear plastic used to cover many or all of the children
A Reflection Of God's Love -- Matthew 27:11-54 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Teach the children how God views them.
Heaven Will Wait -- 1 John 3:1-2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two exact kinds of packages that do not have the picture of the product on the outsid
Those Tempting Crayons -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some crayons and scissors
Ouch! Those Thistles! -- Matthew 13:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: weeds, some with thorns and thistles
A Treasure Hunt -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jewelry box hidden somewhere in the chancel

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Pearly Gates Entrance Exam -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What does it take to get into heaven?
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 52:13--53:12 Hebrews 10:16-25 John 18:1--19:42
Interrupting The Interruption -- John 11:1-44 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
Miracle Eleven Interrupting The InterruptionThe Text
Lions And Cows Dining Together: Seeing Is Believing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We must have a vision that peace is realistically attainable.
Plays Well With Others: B+ -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: If nothing else, the Christian should be congenial, amicable, and much better
Can Compassion Be Turned On Like A Faucet? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we get motivated to actually love others?
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Exodus 20:1-17 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22
Jesus Meets The Official Spokesdemon -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Miracle One Jesus Meets The Official SpokesdemonThe Text
Analysis Of A Saloon -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do churches and taverns offer the same services, and does our church do a bett
Let Me Tell You What You Believe -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: So many Christians are ignorant concerning the beliefs and doctrines of their
No Yellow Flags! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians should be concerned about avoiding making mistakes.
I Embarrassed God Again Yesterday -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Each day we find a variety of ways to offend God and others and must be remind
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day We look to the cross of Jesus for salvation.
Enabling And Receiving Hospitality -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
The Text
Get Over It! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We have to learn how to really forgive and accept forgiveness.
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, 1 Kings 3:5-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
We find before us a very worldly story of love and deceit on the part of two very worldly men.
Reformation Sunday -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Israel has been encamped at Shittim in the territory of Moab on the Eastern side of the Jordan River
Great Windows One-liners -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
B1. The best computer you'll ever know is the one between your ears.
Howdy, Neighbor! -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Ever notice how those who come wishing to test Jesus get tested themselves?
Most Unusual -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The church is the only institution on earth that will let you in free, and then trust your honor to
Eve And The Snake -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the story of Adam and Eve, Eve ate the wrong thing; she should have eaten the snake!
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1--9 (C)
What Moses Said -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
This story came from a tour guide in Israel:
Forgiveness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
To return evil for good is devil-like,To return evil for evil is animal-like,
The Seed Store -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man once dreamed he had entered a different kind of store.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Unity That Transcends -- Luke 22:14-17 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The World Council of Churches and other interdenominational and international church groupings have
What Was Broken Is Healed -- 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman killed by a drunk driver
A Good-bye Topping All Others -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Those bidding good-bye are around us all of our lives.
He Will Abundantly Pardon -- Isaiah 55:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Perhaps you have taken a vacation with the intention of seeking out some historical or national monu
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Advent 3 Children's Message Red
A Lifetime Of One Day -- Romans 8:38-39 -- Victor A. Myers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a day-old, premature infant girlA Lifetime Of One Day
A True, Modern Parable -- Romans 7:21--8:2 -- Charles L. Koester, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 44-year-old man who was the pastor's best friend
We're On Our Way, Baby -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:3 -- John T. Ball -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Today is the Sunday when we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus, a moment in his ministry when up
My Earlier Life -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- John Jamison -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism.
Like A Tree Planted -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
You have probably never thought seriously about tiptoeing through the treetops, but there is a place
Triumphing Over Obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Rabbi Moshe took a trip to a strange land. He took with him a donkey, a rooster, and a lamp.
Song Sung Blue -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Some records are made to be broken -- like Olympic speed skating; Cal Ripkin, Jr.'s, most consecutiv
The Radiating Reformation -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The assigned lesson reading from Romans for this festival worship includes these comments by Saint P
Rest For A Weary Soul -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For one who suffered a difficult lifeRest For A Weary Soul
Call To Oneness -- John 17:20-26 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
When, dear God, shall Christians all be one? It is a first-century inquiry.
Gateway To Grace -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
When you visit a church camp you're aware that you're separated from civilization.
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Advent 4 Children's Message Blue
Come To Me -- Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9 -- Dr. Frank Efird, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a fourteen-year-old cancer victim, shortly before her confirmation
We Weep For Our Children -- John 8:12, Psalm 13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young man at ChristmasWe Weep For Our Children
First Things First -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Gary L. Carver -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
No moment in the life of a parent is more awesome than when a child leaves home for the first time a
The Difference Between Knowing And Doing -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- John Jamison -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
It is difficult to be the church. What we have been asked to do here is not easy.
The Backside Of The Mountain -- Matthew 13:24-30, John 14:1-7 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young person who died following a prolonged battle with cancer
The Possible Dream -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Sibling rivalry. It's the pits. It has been around as long as there have been siblings around.
Building God's Kingdom: The Christian Challenge -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
On December 26, 2004, the greatest natural disaster experienced in the world in over a century struc
Letters From A Loving Prophet -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Jeremiah was the last of the great prophets to minister to the Hebrew people during the days of thei

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Their Vow Of Poverty -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
I grew up in a predominately Catholic town, and I have three friends who are priests.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Competition
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Heaven is at the feet of mothers." (Roebuck)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers know that the best medicine chest for ailing families is the Bible.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The first priority of my life is to be holy, and the second goal of my life is to be a scholar." (J
Angels Among Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Books and magazines are filled with people's encounters with "angels": people who give selflessly, p
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smile "All people smile in the same language." (Anonymous)
Should He Or Shouldn't He? -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Gilbert was about to graduate from seminary.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Enthusiasm
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
New Year
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother should never make differences between her children, but love them all.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit is the divine energy that produces the spiritual life." (Bertha Munro)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"No language can express the power and beauty and heroism and majesty of a mother's love.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is practical living.
Cuts That Heal -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Sally was excited to see her uncle again.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Conflict
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Lie "A lie stands on one leg, truth on two." (Benjamin Franklin)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I think it must somewhere be written that the virtues of mothers shall occasionally be visited on t
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
It must have been a wise mother who said, "When we die, we leave behind us all we have and take with
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not a place to linger, but a pathway to walk.
The Fullness Of Life -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Some in our generation grew up hearing about World War II.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Acceptance
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Care

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Responsibility -- James 1:23-25, Luke 10:25-37 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod as Creator provides order and abundance.
Dwelling Place -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14, 17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
An Arranged Marriage -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
HymnsEat This Bread (CBH471, UM628)
Gradually Slipping Away -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsLet Us Break Bread Together (NCH330, CBH618)
The Risen Christ -- John 21:1-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod is never far from any of us.
Easter -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to share and to shout good news.
The New Covenant In The Old -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
HymnsAt The Name Of Jesus (UM168, CBH342, PH148)
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
HymnsCantemos al Senor (O Sing To The Lord) (UM149, CBH55, NCH39, PH472)
All The Families Of The Earth Shall Be Blessed -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16, John 14:1-14 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsIn You, Lord, I Have Put My Trust (PH183)
Sabbath -- Isaiah 58:9b-14, Luke 13:10-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIndeed, this is a day of rest and gladness.
Father -- Ephesians 6:1-4 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere is a vastness and wonder to God that we can in no way describe.
Consecration Service For Choirs -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Special ServicesConsecration Service For Choirs
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
HymnsRejoice, Ye Pure In Heart (UM160, 16l, NCH55, 71, PH145, 146, LBW553)
Massah And Meribah -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20, John 14:15-21 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsOur Cities Cry To You, O God (PH437)
Saints -- John 6:20-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipO God, we enter your gates with thanksgiving;
Not By Our Own Strength -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 9, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
HymnsIn The Rifted Rock I'm Resting (CBH526)
Get A Map, Ask For Directions -- 1 Samuel 16:1-12, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsHail, O Festal Day (NCH262, UM324)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
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...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

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.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL