Login / Signup

Ash Wednesday - A

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

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Dear heavenly Father... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
No more ugly faces -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Showing off -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Teachers or Parents: Do some research in a Bible dictionary

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

We Dare Not Duck Our Sinfulness -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
All the lessons and the theme of the day remind us that we dare not duck our sinfulness.
Awareness of Sin and The Urgency of Repentance -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
Ash Wednesday is time to stress our sorrow for sin and the way out, a chance to stimulate our awaren
Inward And Outward Faith -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Coffin -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
It is the week before “Fat Tuesday,” and a given group of people are gathered in a restaurant, livin
A holy Lent -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Imagine life in a northern farming community a couple of centuries ago. It's early March.
Who do you work for? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
The following story begins the first chapter of Jeffrey K.
What's in your attic? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
A now-famous credit card company advertisement asks, "What's in your wallet?" The
Who do you work for? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2002
The following story begins the first chapter of Jeffrey K.
Where the heart is -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1999
This day has become an important one in the church year.
Reforming worship -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1996
The peace treaty -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A
In our nation, we are proud to say that nobody has any right to tell us what to do.
The cross of repentance -- Psalm 51:1-13, Joel 2:12-19, Matthew 6:1-6 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Mardi Gras! Festivals of light! Great crowds gathering to have fun.

Free Access

We Dare Not Duck Our Sinfulness -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
All the lessons and the theme of the day remind us that we dare not duck our sinfulness.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Show and Tell! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John Jamison -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
Object: Create cards for a game of Charades.
Obvious Secret -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
Lent can be an odd time for church kids.
Secretly -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
What do you think of when you see a beautiful present (let kids respond) Maybe birthdays...
Praying with Ashes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Anna Shirey -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
First Thoughts
Ambassadors for Christ -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Leah Thompson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on be
Dear heavenly Father... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Leah Thompson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secr
Taking our sins away -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we
No more ugly faces -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they
Our most valuable asset -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good evening! It's not often I get to say good evening
Showing off -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good morning! Today I brought a Bible with me. Normally
Removing obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good morning, boys and girls. It looks like you're trying to enter a dangerous area.
The way to give gifts and treasures -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good morning, boys and girls. We are going to have a surprise search this morning.
Too much to carry -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good evening! How come we're in church tonight? Does anyone
Later -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - A
Good morning! Let me share with you a little story. Johnny was playing outside.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2023) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2020) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
Joel 2:1-2,12-17 
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2017) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2014) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
We come together... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
We come together for birthday parties, weddings and funerals, and retirement celebrations.
Anthony Campolo, a college... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Anthony Campolo, a college sociology professor who writes extensively on theology, offered a cure fo
Dr. Ed Young tells... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Dr. Ed Young tells the story of Dr. Clovis Chappell as a college student.
Ash Wednesday is a... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance, for turning around.
When I was in Nepal... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
When I was in Nepal as a missionary it was illegal to be a Christian until 1992; I met the first Chr
We are full of... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
We are full of pride and hypocrisy.
As a child coming... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
As a child coming home from school one afternoon, I heard my mother talking to someone.
In the 1970s... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
In the 1970s Karl Menninger wrote a book that was widely read, studied, and discussed.
The old saying goes... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
The old saying goes that if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig.
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Craig Kelly -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
In 2006, in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, Charles Carl Roberts IV entered a sma
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Leah Thompson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
The poem "Poor Angus" by children's poet Shel Silverstein is written as if it were a conversation be
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20--6:10 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
In January of 2011, when Dan Uggla signed the contract to be the coach of the Atlanta Braves, he did
NULL -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Craig Kelly -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
Volunteering is often a thankless job.
It is said that there... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
It is said that there was once a wise, old rabbi, who carried in his pocket two stones. One
John Wesley once said, It... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
John Wesley once said, "It was not merely by light of reason ... that the people of God
In small towns across the... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
In small towns across the country, the safety of the people depends on volunteer
According to Dr. Scott Turansky... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
According to Dr.

StoryShare

Giving Anonymously -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
“The charter group out of Florida isn’t available to take us either.” Joanne hung up the phone.

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2023) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2020) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
Joel 2:1-2,12-17 

Preaching

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
The Lenten Season
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayThe ashes on the forehead are a symbol of hope, not despair.
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
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
Sometime between 500 and 350 B.C., post-exilic Israel experienced a devastating locust plague, follo
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We must now head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten observance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

SermonStudio

For the Glow of It -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Our Ash Wednesday service is full of rich symbols.
Locusts Happen -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Tony S. Everett -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
It was never this bad; not in their lifetime, not in any-body's lifetime.
The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Two mornings a week I drive from Ontario, Oregon, to Caldwell, Idaho, to teach at College of Idaho.
Return To The Lord, Your God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Lee Griess -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
Every once in a while a whimsical story makes the news.
Dust And Ashes Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
The Passion of the Christ, is a helpful movie to consider for Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Sleeping Through The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
I might as well get this off my chest. I have an abiding dislike for alarm clocks.
A Christian's Resume -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
It's time to update your resume!
Building Our Foundation On God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
"I'd sell my soul to play for the Washington Senators." Joe Hardy, the protagonist in the popular Br
Loch Ness, Locusts, And Bread -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing on Loch Ness when suddenly his boat was attacked by the
Lent Is About Reconciliation -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
The story of Lent really begins back in the Garden of Eden.
The Journey To Freedom Begins -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Mohandas Gandhi, the famous Indian freedom fighter and certainly one of the most influential persona
Lent To Life -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.
Love Is Your Disguise -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
The pastor of a village church has been given a high honor to judge the costume contest.
An Our Good works And Generosity -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
To whom was Jesus referring with these words?
Lent - A Tithe Of Days -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-2 -- Albert G. Butzer, III -- Ash Wednesday - A
Many of us feel that our lives are out of control.

The Village Shepherd

The Nature Of Sin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Ash Wednesday - A
The story's told, that in the 3rd and 4th centuries, out of the Germanic areas of Europe, came the
Sin - What A Drag! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Ash Wednesday - A
When children are baptised in the Church of England, their parents and godparents make three

Stories

StoryShare

Giving Anonymously -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
“The charter group out of Florida isn’t available to take us either.” Joanne hung up the phone.
Purify Me Of My Sin -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2020
John knocked at the door and waited. His heart was pounding in his chest and he was sweating.
Life From Death -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Contents "Life from Death" by Frank Ramirez
Repentance And Renewal -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- John Fitzgerald, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2014
Contents"Repentance and Renewal" by John Fitzgerald
Silver Creek -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Sandra Herrmann -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
Contents"Silver Creek" by Keith Hewitt
The Terrible Dark Day -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales, Argile Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Glenda's Surprise" by Argile Smith

SermonStudio

Lent -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
This season of Lent, which we begin today, developed gradually in the church.
The Rescuers -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no
A Random Act Of Kindness -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
In his book A Time to Fish and A Time to Dry Nets (1996: Lakewood Publishing Co.), author Alv
Forest's Mark -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Forest never said much when he came to church.
Cleansed -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
Shirley sits bolt upright in her bed and cries out, "Enough, I can't bear it anymore!" The back of h

Worship

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
(Note: We use Taizé songs for our worship, but other songs can be substituted for other co
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
Hymns And Songs Savior, When In Dust To You -- LBW 91
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Joel 2:12-13Theme: It's Not Too Late
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: A Call To Prayer, Fasting, And RepentanceCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: Reconciliation With GodCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Life Of RighteousnessCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Prior to worship, ask the congregation to bring some writings about the beginning of Lent which they
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Return To MeCall To Worship
Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use as a prayer.
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- B. David Hostetter, B. David Hostetter -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
Felt repentance versus formal regrets -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: The context for Joel's prophesies is a plague of locusts, which he interprets as a
A call to repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10) -- Heth H. Corl -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
ASH WEDNESDAY -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Psalm 51:1-12, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Norman A. Beck -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1986
Each year as we consider the meaning of Lent and the significance we would like it to have for us an

Free Access

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
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