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Impossible -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For nothing will be impossible with God. (v. 37)
Seeing into the Heart -- John 1:43-51 -- Anna Shirey -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
First Thoughts: Here we are looking at Jesus' first "recruiting" mission, as depicted in John
Pointing Out the Christ -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Anna Shirey -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
First Thoughts: I want to focus a bit on John the Baptist -- who is such an interesting chara
Empty riches -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
"So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God." (v.
The wind -- John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not
Like A Potato -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some p
Favorites -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your
All God Does, God Does Well -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Some things we can't explain, and we call them mysteries and trust God's love no matter what.
The Two Sons -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus said, "A father had two sons, two boys (Young children sometimes confuse their "suns").
Good News -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, found himself in prison for telling the truth, and he
Baptism -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In our Bible story Jesus went to John the Baptist at the River Jordan to be baptized.
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Jesus' friends came together. They were sad because Jesus was no longer with them.
Have Mercy Upon Us! -- Psalm 123 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The two-year-old was visiting her grandparents, and as they gathered around the table, holding hands
Transfiguration Sunday -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Elaine M. Ward -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2002
Leader, wearing dark glasses, asks the children, "Do you know why I am wearing dark glasses?" (Pause
The Good Samaritan ... But ... -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus told stories because people like, listen to, and remember stories.
A Prince In Disguise -- Matthew 25:31-46 (44-45) -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
Appropriate Day: All Saints' Day, any Sunday
The Blessing Of God -- Psalm 133 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The psalmist says that God gives good gifts.
The Glory Of God -- Psalm 19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
It was a new church for Sam.
Zacchaeus -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"It's not fair! I wish I weren't so small," sighed Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus had always been small.
A Great Party -- John 12:1-8 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Honoring Jesus.
There Is No Law Against Such Things -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: For some things there are no laws.
Sheep -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Samuel J. Hahn, Scott Patton, Illustrator -- 2000
Follow The Leader
Rainbows -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
"This morning I need all of you to help me understand a verse of scripture.
Let Me See Your Shoes! -- John 13:4-5 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
This morning I greet the children with a question and a request: "Does everyone have shoes on?" The
Epiphany -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1999
Object: An acorn which has begun to sprout and a plain-looking rock which has been split in

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Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2018) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2018
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2018) -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
Psalm 29
Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Illustrations for Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 (2018) -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
1 Samuel 3:1-10
Is There an App for That? -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
Full of It -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Tom Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2018
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2018) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2018
2 Samuel 11:1-15 and Psalm14
Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2018) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2018) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Signs -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2018) -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2018) -- Baruch 5:1-9, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Baruch 5:1-9For they went out from you on foot,
Everyone Gets Coal -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2017) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
Exodus 3:1-15
Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2017) -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
Exodus 12:1-14
Love in Action -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary epistle text, Paul echoes Jesus when he says that the commandments can be
Free Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2017) -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2017
Exodus 32:1-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2017) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Caught Off-Guard -- Matthew 25:1-13, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
This week’s lectionary gospel text features the parable of the bridesmaids -- a story Jesus tells to
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2017) -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2017
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2014) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Tidings Of Comfort -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
It’s been more than a week since the announcement that Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren
A Lesson in Humility -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2007
I learned a lesson about humility early in my ministry as a church organist. I had been

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Wounded Healers -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
I once watched a television show which scared the daylights out of me.
Pilate Pops The Question -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
I ran across a story recently of a pastor from South Africa who had just finished his first year of
Make The Most Of Your Life -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Once there was a wise king who died.
God Knows What God Is Doing -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
There is an apocryphal story told that after completing his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, the famous I
You Are Free To Fail -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Following his service as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the dark days of World War II, Winst
Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'
Is Anything Unforgivable? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
One morning I was roused from sleep around 3 a.m. by the ringing of the telephone.
First Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Curtis Lewis -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Have you ever seen the aurora borealis?
Too Good To Be True? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Here's the scene.
Sweet-Smelling Fragrance -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Realtors tell us that an empty house is difficult to sell.
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.
Why Doesn't God Do Something? -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Introduction
The Wedding Dress -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
"Take my life, that I may be ..."
Juxtaposing -- John 3:14-21 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"... God so loved the world ..."
God, Please Send Some Lofty Thoughts -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
E-mail From: KDM To: God Subject: Truly Human, Truly God's
To Be Lord, To Be Messiah, To Be Crucified -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Robert J. Elder -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Think of all the ways in which we hold ourselves at a distance from people and things that come near
When The Tank Runs Low -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Wally Gaines was a pastor in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Praying For A Whole New World -- Luke 21:25-36 -- William G. Carter -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
The door slammed. There was a rush upstairs.
What If What They Say Is True? -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- John W. Wurster -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
Whether through the complicated process of socialization or good manners or simple maturity, somehow
The Fruit Of Forgiveness -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
One of the outstanding personages of the modern era was Howard Hughes. Mr.
And Now The News -- Luke 13:1-9 -- John N. Brittain -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
I know that they didn't have CNN or iPods back in Jesus' day, but if they had, they would have been
How Not To Throw A Party -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2000
When I prepare a sermon, I usually begin by reading the assigned Bible passage for that day, often i
When God Does A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
The woman whose heart is broken because her husband cheated on her cannot get past that experience a
Giving Up On Getting Even -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Kirk R. Webster -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
She walked nervously down the hallway, following a purple line that led into the visitation area.
A Tale Of Two Crosses -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 23:1-49 -- John N. Brittain -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
There are two crosses juxtaposed in the Gospels.

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Elena Delhagen
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Quantisha Mason-Doll
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 5, 2024:
  • Longing for Belonging by Dean Feldmeyer — “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love and be loved and to belong.” — Brene Brown
  • Second Thoughts: Is Blood Thicker Than Water? by Elena Delhagen based on 1 John 5:1-6 and Acts 10:44-48.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Suddenly, Kimberly, our middle daughter, was standing next to our bed, sobbing in fear. My wife held and comforted her for a few minutes, and then I led her back to the room she shared with her older sister Kristyn. I tucked her tightly into the sandwich of her sheets and blankets, snugging things up for extra safety.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 10:44-48

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Pieces you might use, like dice, a spinner, a ball, or any other “unusual” things you might find. I used a beanbag, a shoe, and a piece of paper.

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StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (v. 12-13)

You have heard the saying “We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.” Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” is an invitation to faithfulness. That might be described by the old-fashioned word “fidelity.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Do you love anyone enough to offer them your last Rolo? According to the advert, Rolos are so incredibly delicious that nobody could be that selfless. Those who consider offering their last Rolo to someone they love, snatch it back at the last moment and keep it for themselves.

Or you might of course, love Terry's chocolate orange, and feel it's something which would be good to share. But at the last moment, like cuddly Dawn French, you'd say, "No, it's mine, not Terry's, it's all mine!"

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can support the notion of "singing a new song." Children love the repetition of singing the same song over and over. Parents or youth group leaders who have been in this situation can identify with the need to sing a new song.
Nancy Kraft
Are you in love with God? In 1 John, the author has a lot to say about the love of God and the way that love changes our lives. We love because God first loved us. God's love fills us to overflowing so that it flows through us to other people. Annie Dillard said that we catch grace like a man filling a cup underneath a waterfall.1 That's the way we receive God's love. But there can be a problem for us when we put a lid on our cups and the water can't get inside. We're closing our hearts off to the love of God.

Harry N. Huxhold
A remarkable feature of Dwight D. Eisenhower's memoirs is the composure with which he greeted crises. He titled his autobiography At Ease, an appropriate description for not only his retirement, but the manner in which he appeared to be on top of life. Colleagues, of course, could recall how excited he could get in revealing his impatience with mediocrity and the failures of the people in his command. However, what was impressive was the way he took control in the European theater in World War II with no fear for his own life and great confidence in the Allied offensive.
E. Carver Mcgriff
Charles Wesley began one of the Methodist Church's favorite hymns with this line: "Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire." Of course, tradition now uses the alternate term, "Holy Spirit." Wesley called it the "fountain of life and love." And so it is. Once we experience the Holy Spirit, we know it is exactly that: the source of life and love. The giving of that Spirit into the lives of us all is the point of this passage.

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