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James Evans

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Lord, To Whom Can We Go (To Blame)? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20 -- James Evans
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Sin And Punishment Versus Grace And Hope -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
January 18, 2004
Super Bowl Obscenities -- Luke 6:17-26 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher
A Quality of Leadership -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The question of the relationship of leadership and ethics can be contentious and disruptive in the c

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Lord, To Whom Can We Go (To Blame)? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20 -- James Evans
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Sin And Punishment Versus Grace And Hope -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
January 18, 2004
Super Bowl Obscenities -- Luke 6:17-26 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher
A Quality of Leadership -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The question of the relationship of leadership and ethics can be contentious and disruptive in the c

Preaching

SermonStudio

Epiphany 5/Ordinary Time 5 -- Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2006
This is a dangerous psalm -- dangerous, because it is so open to misinterpretation.
Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28 -- Psalm 22:1-15 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2006
(See Good Friday, Cycle A; Good Friday, Cycle B; and Lent 2, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.
Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21 -- Psalm 124 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2006
(See Proper 21/Pentecost 19/Ordinary Time 26, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycles A and B; see
Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 119:33-40 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2006
Like last week's selection from the opening portion of this same psalm, today's selection celebrates
Proper 14/Pentecost 12/Ordinary Time 19 -- Psalm 130 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2006
Because the organizing principle of the lectionary is that the psalm is supposed to be a meditation
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 148 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas 1, Cycle A; Christmas 1, Cycle C; an
The Baptism Of Our Lord/Epiphany 1/Ordinary Time 1 -- Psalm 29 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
The references in this psalm to God's appearance in the storm are strongly reminiscent of the creati
Proper 22/Pentecost 20/Ordinary Time 27 -- Psalm 137 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
This psalm's opening verses are among the most recognizable for understanding the experience of a wo
The Day Of Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternat
Proper 11/Pentecost 9/Ordinary Time 16 -- Psalm 52 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against th
Epiphany 8/Ordinary Time 8 -- Psalm 131 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2006
From the early sixteenth- to the mid-nineteenth centuries, one of the most popular forms of painting
Proper 15/Pentecost 13/Ordinary Time 20 -- Psalm 111 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2006
(See Epiphany 4/Ordinary Time 4, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 26 / Ordinary Time 31 / Pentecost 23 -- Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- James Evans -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle B, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-3 and 17-22.)
Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2 -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
If we wanted to give a name to this psalm, we might call it "A Song of Exuberant Praise." The psalmi
Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28 -- Psalm 66:1-12 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
(See Easter 6, Cycle A for an alternative approach to vv. 8-20.)
The Holy Trinity -- Psalm 29 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary for The Baptism Of Our Lord/Epiphany 1/Ordinary Tim
Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17 -- Psalm 85 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
(See Advent 2, Cycle B, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 8-13.)
Epiphany 9/Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- 2006
(See Easter 5, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-5.
Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21 -- Psalm 84 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2006
This vibrant psalm celebrates the presence of God in the temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem.
Advent 3 -- Psalm 126 -- James Evans -- 2006
There is perhaps no greater challenge to the life of faith than suffering.
Epiphany 3/Ordinary Time 3 -- Psalm 19 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
Psalm 19 celebrates two different media through which God is revealed: nature and the law.
Proper 24/Pentecost 22/Ordinary Time 29 -- Psalm 119:97-104 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Psalm 119 is well-known as the longest chapter in the Bible.
Good Friday -- Psalm 22 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Good Friday - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Good Friday, Cycle A; Lent 2, Cycle B; and Pro
Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
(See Proper 26/Pentecost 24/Ordinary Time 31, Cycle A, and Lent 4, Cycle B, for an alternative ap

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Lord, To Whom Can We Go (To Blame)? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20 -- James Evans
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Sin And Punishment Versus Grace And Hope -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
January 18, 2004
Super Bowl Obscenities -- Luke 6:17-26 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher
A Quality of Leadership -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The question of the relationship of leadership and ethics can be contentious and disruptive in the c

Worship

The Immediate Word

Lord, To Whom Can We Go (To Blame)? -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20 -- James Evans
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What's A Marriage For? -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24 -- James Evans -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
But The End Is Not Yet -- Mark 13:1-8 -- James Evans -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Living Among Us -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James Evans -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Sin And Punishment Versus Grace And Hope -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
January 18, 2004
Super Bowl Obscenities -- Luke 6:17-26 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher
A Quality of Leadership -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- James Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
The question of the relationship of leadership and ethics can be contentious and disruptive in the c
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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140+ – Illustrations / Stories
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30 – Worship Resources
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5 – Pastor's Devotions
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Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
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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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