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Arriving Home First -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
His name is Ralph Archbold.
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This is the only story that Luke tells from Jesus' childhood.
Recovering The Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1997
1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to
Lent 3 -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text, with its appropriate Lenten theme of repen-tance, is assigned for the Lenten seaso
Be Ready -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
I am sure that most of you shook the slats out of the cradle when you first heard the following stor
The Shrewd Steward -- Luke 16:1-13 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1997
1Then Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who
Lent 4 -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
We come now to the story in Luke in which the heart of the Christian faith is explicated in story fo
Describing The Indescribable -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- Gary L. Carver -- 1997
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (v. 15).
The Rich Man And Poor Beggar -- Luke 16:19-31 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1997
19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The story of the Nativity of our Lord is narratively connected to much of the biblical story.
The Servant's Duty -- Luke 17:5-10 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1997
5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6The Lord replied, "If you had faith
Palm/Passion Sunday -- Luke 19:28-40, Luke 23:1-49 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
"After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jeru-salem" (Luke 19:28).
A Widow And A Bad Judge -- Luke 18:1-8 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1997
1Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray
Proper 4 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Luke 7:1 marks a transition in the flow of material in this Gospel.
Two Men Praying -- Luke 18:9-14 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1997
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves
Proper 5 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
In Chapter 14 we referred to David Tiede's understanding that Luke 7 is a kind of "Christological dr
The Star -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1997
1. TextIn the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem
Proper 6 -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
The lectionary at this point omits the material in Luke 7:18-35.
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Many commentators note that these verses are really the begin-ning of Luke's Gospel.
The Voice From Heaven -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1997
1. Text
Proper 7 -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text concerning the exorcism which set a captive Gerasene demoniac free is the only tex
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's text presents us with the preaching of John the Baptist.
The Blind Guiding The Blind -- Luke 6:39-49 -- William E. Keeney -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1997
39He also told them a parable: "Can a blind person guide a
The Wedding At Cana -- John 2:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1997
1. Text
Proper 8 -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
Scholars have recognized for a long time that the material in Luke 9:51„19:27 is unique in the Synop

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The Unanswered Question: Will God Be Fair? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Ancient people were terrorized by the thought of God.
Grace In The Midst Of Judgment -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
In his book Making Life Work, Chicago area pastor Bill Hybels cites a study that was published under
The Wideness In God's Mercy -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Many fundamentalist Christian groups would have us believe that the Bible has all the answers to the
Waiting For Godot? -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Frederick R. Harm -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
As we embark on another Advent Adventure we pause to remind ourselves that this sacred season holds
God Is Good All The Time -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Imagine a person standing in the rain without an umbrella.
Grace In The Midst Of Suffering -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
For several years an earnest and energetic woman has been attempting to make August 8 a national hol
Are You A Taker Or A Giver? -- 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It was quite a picture - on the front of the New York Times Magazine some time ago.
Your Sins Are Forgiven -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
This morning Mark tells us about the healing of a paralyzed man.
With A Bang Or A Whimper? -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Frederick R. Harm -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Back in 1925, T. S.
You Can Make It Happen -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Some friends invited Brenda to go rock climbing with them.
Grace In The Midst Of Weakness -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Over the centuries rank and file church members have grown up in the presence of stained glass saint
Let George Do It -- Romans 12:6-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Many will remember the decade of the '60s in America.
Seeing Jesus Clearly -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
I'd like to begin with what might seem a rather strange question.
My Life Is In You, Lord -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
When we affirm that our life belongs to God, this affirmation includes every aspect of our lives.
For The Person Who Is Everything -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
One of life's interesting experiences is learning how to respond to gifts.
The Lure Of Downward Mobility -- Mark 10:43-45 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
I first heard him speak some years ago at the Beecher Lectures at Yale Divinity School.
We Are Christ's -- That Is Enough -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
In today's Gospel, Mark tells us more about Jesus by showing his power over unclean spirits.
Solid Foundation -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
There was much excitement on the first night of Vacation Bible School as parents eagerly registered
The Real Thing -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
How do you know something is a genuine article, "The Real Thing"?
When Giving Gets Personal -- Hebrews 9:11-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
To tell the truth, I had wondered whether the reports I had read were exaggerated.
The Adventure Of Discipleship -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel is about Jesus' calling of his first four disciples.
Abundant Love -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
The pastor began his sermon by telling of an encounter earlier that week.
Blood For Sale? -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Sol Levin recognized the profitable market for safe and uncontaminated blood in America.
Changing Fraud To Faith -- Luke 19:8 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It might not have been your first choice on a tour of the Mideast.
Making A Difference -- John 1:43-51 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
How many of you know someone who is partially or completely color blind?

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Justice tempered with compassion -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Hosea 11:1-11 Theme: Justice tempered with compassion
The suffering servant -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- James R. Wilson -- Good Friday - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us celebrate God's love for us in Christ!
Seeking the Kingdom of God -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
Second Lesson: Colossians 3:1-11Theme: Seeking the Kingdom of God
Service of Recommitment to Christian Service for the New Year -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all who love the Lord gather in this house for worship!
Where are our treasures? -- Luke 12:13-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21Theme: Where are our treasures?
A blessed nation -- Genesis 12:1-8, John 8:31-36 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To Worship
Compassion not sacrifice -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Do we remember the Lord? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who know the wonder of the Lord gather now for worship!
Vineyard of justice and righteousness -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Faith in God's covenant -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Messengers of God -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Seek ye first the Lord -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Iniquities of the unfaithful -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
With God's help we can! -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Clay in the Potter's hands -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
To God alone belongs the glory -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let all of God's people give praise and worship the Lord!
Accountable to God -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Theme: Accountable to God
Blessed are the peacemakers -- Matthew 5:9 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who would seek God's holy peace come together this day!
Grace beyond sin -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1997
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 1:12-17Theme: Grace beyond sin
The Promise -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Seeking the Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1997
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10Theme: Seeking the lost
The cleansing of the Lord -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let the people of God give praise and worship the Lord!
The agony of God -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us celebrate God's wonderful redeeming love!
Third Sunday of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20Theme: The Blessing of the Lord
Faith beyond adversity -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship

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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