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Becoming What We Are -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
Shell--shocked soldiers presented a perplexing problem for the French Army following the conclusion
Proper 25 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
"Two men went up into the temple to pray...." These are very familiar words.
Epiphany 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The first four chapters of Luke prepare the way for all that is to come.
Persistent Praying -- Luke 11:1-13 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1997
1He was praying in a certain place, and after he had
A Prayer For Maturing Faith -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
I make no secret of the fact that I am not fond of bumper stickers or bumper sticker religion.
Proper 26 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
"This story is a Lukan masterpiece, a wonder story of the first order.
Epiphany 6 -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
A considerable portion of Luke's narrative is omitted as we move from the Fifth Sunday after the Epi
The Unwise Farmer -- Luke 12:13-21 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my
The Joy Is The Journey -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
Sometimes, not every time, but sometimes the very worst thing that can happen to us is that we get t
Proper 27 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Today's text comes to us rather radically ripped from its Lukan context.
Epiphany 7 -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text is a continuation of the Sermon on the Plain.
Prepared Servants -- Luke 12:32-40 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1997
Watching. Waiting. Preparedness. Servanthood. These are
Recipe For Peace -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
"There is no God!" blatantly he shouted.
Proper 28 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
With this week's text we come to material that is focused on the future.
Epiphany 8 -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
We note first of all that this week's text is doubly appointed for the Lukan year.
Weather Signs -- Luke 12:49-56 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1997
49"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were
Somebody Up There Likes You -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
We are talking about encouragement.
Proper 29 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's appointed text from Luke is a fitting text for what is often called "Christ the King" Su
Lent 1 -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
In the early years of the Christian Church a dominant theme of the Lenten season was the conflict be
Honor Or Humility -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1997
Emily Post was a well-known expert on etiquette. She would
To An Audience Of One -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
I sometimes sit in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, recalling its distingui
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Luke 24:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Luke 24:1-12 is the text assigned for both the Vigil of Easter and Easter Day.
Lent 2 -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's assigned text comes from the heart of Luke's Travel Narrative: 9:51„19:27.
The Price Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1997
25Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned
Arriving Home First -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
His name is Ralph Archbold.

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Placard Faith, Complex World -- John 3:14-21 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
As you have sat in your easy chair munching on snack food during any NFL game, you have seen this si
In The Hot Seat -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Everybody who thinks you could have done better than James or John, raise your hands.
Growing Faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
It's an old joke, but an insightful one: A man slipped off the edge of a cliff, and just before he f
What It Takes To Do The Job -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
What is Job #1 in your life? We know what it is for Ford, right?
Thanks -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
A minister held an administrative position in a major university in a large city.
Humble Beginnings -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
Small town folk will often ask a person on first meeting, "Who was your mother?" What they mean is:
Holy Vexation -- John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
We have all probably had the experience of being in the presence of someone who is normally composed
The Impossible Option -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Before there was Harry Potter, there was Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit. In J. R. R.
Too Good To Miss -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Paul E. Robinson -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
C. S.
Height Advantage -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
One of the key inventions of the modern world is the geostationary or geosynchronous satellite, many
Sweet Surrender -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
John Bradshaw tells a parable about a prisoner in a dark cave.1 The man was sentenced to die.
Blessing Revealed -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
"Trouble comes in threes," so many people say.
Life -- From The Inside Out -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Eleven people, so goes the story, were dangling from a rope beneath a helicopter in a rescue scenari
Up And Running -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Robert A. Noblett -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
We all have a stake in making sure that our young people get up and running.
Promised Land -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
This day called All Saints' developed in a manner that every university fund-raiser can appreciate.
Grace In The Midst Of Unanswered Prayer -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
No one ever really prepares you for your first theological bull session.
The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.
Cross Connections -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Good Friday - B -- 2002
Good Friday is not an easy day on which to preach, nor is what happened on Good Friday easy to expla
Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
An early movie version of Victor Herbert's romantic operetta
Grace In The Midst Of Limited Resources -- 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Year after year Stumpy and Martha attended the fair in their home state, and every summer it was the
The Destination Of All Journeys -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Today we encounter one of the most sacred moments for every single one of us.
New Wine In New Wineskins -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
We humans are often schizophrenic when it comes to the old and the new.
The Roads Less Traveled -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
A lecturer was talking about what he called "the most dangerous road in the world." Most people in t
Grace In The Midst Of The Crush Of Time -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
In the year 2000 Forbes Magazine featured a special edition on a single topic that it called "the bi
What Changes And What Doesn't? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
(Before speaking, the speaker puts on a pair of "cool shades" [dark sunglasses] and takes them off w

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The Word of the Lord restores us -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Christ died for our sins -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- James R. Wilson -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us give praise for God's wonderful redeeming love!
The joy of the Lord is our strength -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Litany For Forgiveness -- Kathryn W. Orso -- 1997
Pastor: We have sinned in many ways.People: Forgive us, Lord.
Give praise and thanksgiving for God's blessings -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
The wisdom of the Lord -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
The Lord is our strength -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would serve the Lord enter God's house for worship!
Send me, Lord! -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Justified By Greed -- Lynda PujadÓ -- 1997
A Biography of a Pharisee
God's presence among us -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Receiving the Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Well-placed faith -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let the children of God join in this day in praise and song!
The Passover Haggadah -- Rabbi Sol Ester, Robert L. Linder -- 1997
The Passover
We are one in Christ -- Acts 10:23b-48 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To Worship
Held to the plumb; true and straight -- Amos 7:7-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let the people of God gather now for praise and worship!
God's promise fulfilled -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is faithful and God's Word will never return empty!
A Good Friday Vigil -- Alexander H. Wales -- 1997
The following service is useful in a small room setting, establishing a "come and go" time frame for
Dedication to the Lord -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Proper 11 | OT 16 -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Amos 8:1-12 Theme: God's judgment comes
The Word of the Lord shall bear witness -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us praise God and share the Gospel of Christ in every land!
Shadows Around The Cross -- Ralph E. Dessem -- 1997
IntroductionThe Tenebrae Tradition
In all seasons have faith -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
"Not My People" (RSV) -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is our salvation, and we will worship no other gods!
The Light has come -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
The Lord has come! -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- James R. Wilson -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us celebrate, for Christ our Savior has been born!

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...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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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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