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SermonStudio

The Inspired Holy Bible -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
1.It is not the concepts of just one man or group.
The Hereafter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
An elderly lady confided in her pastor that lately she was bothered by the "hereafter."
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
I got in a religious dispute one time with a relative over particular truths in the Christian gospel
Waiting For Jesus -- Matthew 24 and 25 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Matthew 25 begins with Jesus telling a story about a bridegroom being delayed as he was on his way t
Is The Bible A Bank? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Is the Bible a bank at your house?
Do You Need It? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Sign in a Vermont country store:"If we haven't got it, you don't need it!"
An Ecumenical Leg -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There's a wonderful story about a doctor who had among his patients an elderly Roman Catholic lady w
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
Conscience -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the hallway of Eastern College, St.
The International Garden Of Peace -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In almost the exact center of North America, on the border of Canada and the United States, at the j
The Meaning Of Amen -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
During a children's sermon, Rev.
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
There is a strange belief abroad in our land at the present time, the belief that we cannot know God
The Secret Of The Kingdom -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Reading the Gospels, it would seem that telling parables was Jesus' favorite teaching method.
Is This True Americanism? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Among the various things that have happened in the elapsed time since September 11, 2001, there has
W(h)ite Out -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Every author knows the value of this modern substance which can be used when we have typed the wrong
An Endless Line Of Splendor -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Vachel Lindsay wrote:An endless line of splendor
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1--3a, 14--25 (C)
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1--7 (C)
Contrasts In Character -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Notice the sociological study of two families:I. The Jonathan Edwards family:
The Love Of Christ -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A Roman Catholic saint once said, the love of Christ is:
The Politicians' Prayer -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Two politicians were arguing about something when the first one said: "I'll bet you $5 that you can'
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
The book of the Acts of the Apostles is the second volume of Luke's great account of God's act of sa

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Listening For The "Ching-ching" -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
When television producer, Dick Wolf, introduced a new "cop show" in the early 1990s, he could hardly
Radically Unfair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In a Walker Percy novel, a white physician is arrested for illegally selling drugs to truck drivers
Frayed Ends And Torn Seams -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man killed by a hit-and-run driver
A Level Playing Field For God -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A Level Playing Field For God
Finding Our Salvation In Today's World -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
One of Louis Armstrong's vocal hits went like this:
Generosity As The Clue To Life -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
All the great founders of our religious traditions offer secrets to the good life.
Risking Relationships That Redeem -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- 2005
Fried green tomatoes were the house specialty at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama during the 1930s.
Heaven Can Wait -- John 17:6-19 -- David T. Ball -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In a popular Hollywood movie starring Warren Beatty, Beatty plays a quarterback destined to lead the
Apocalypse Wow! -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
A pastor friend of mine recently attended a ministerial meeting at a Presbyterian church, along with
Goodness -- A Way Of Life -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Traditionally, the letter to the Ephesians was thought to be another one of Paul's New Testament wri
The Inversion Of Ambition -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
In today's text, Jesus teaches the disciples about the power of evil.
Baby Blues -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Baby Blues
Jesus Is Still Alive! -- John 20:1-18 -- David T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today we Christians celebrate Easter Sunday.
Setting All The Idols Down -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Setting All The Idols Down
Engage Mind Before Putting Mouth In Gear -- James 3:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
When we were children our parents often quoted us the expression, "Sticks and stones can break my bo
Final Instructions -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ron Lavin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
Final Instructions
Mediating The Grace Of God -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
God is always mediated to us. God never comes to us directly and immediately. This is a good thing.
An Inclusive Faith -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
In 1948, the World Council of Churches was formed in the war-torn rubble of Amsterdam.
Write To The Heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- 2005
Write To The Heart
God Is Amazing -- John 1:43-51 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
It goes without saying, but we constantly need to be reminded that we live in an amazing world, yet
It's All About Jesus -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Lavin -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
It's All About Jesus
God's Wisdom Or The World? -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time there was an old man who lived on the outskirts of town.
Taking The Long View -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
So much seems to press upon us in our daily living that "taking the long view" may not only be remot
Palm/Passion Sunday And Today's Faith -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John T. Ball -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
In the slaughter of World War I, 1914-1918, a whole generation of European men went to their deaths.
Pay Attention To The Context -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2005
A lot of confusion could be eliminated by paying attention to the context of our theological and eth

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Missing The Mark -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We were visiting with my 94-year-old uncle.
God's Word -- 1999
"In every age the church with the Holy Scriptures at its side has had some witnesses to the truth an
Adoption -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Why did we do it, Leon? There is no easy answer. Maybe it was not the thing to do.
Evangelism -- 1999
I was at First Methodist Church in Des Moines for a meeting.
Precious -- 1999
During Nikita Khrushchev's visit to the U.S. he bought material for a new suit.
Seeing -- 1999
Two hunters were road hunting in a pickup for deer in South Dakota.
A Second Chance -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Constance Berg -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
Mark is a chaplain in a nursing home.
Boundaries -- 1999
Merrill Lynch's ad on television: "We believe your world should know no boundaries." -- 1987
Judge -- 1999
The conductor of a community orchestra was upset because of poor attendance of musicians at the rehe
Blooming -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
"You know how three weeks ago I asked you to speak about your trip to Mexico?
Unprepared -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I just have to recognize the fact, Leon, that I am not prepared for any great fame or acclaim.
Good Friday -- 1999
Retired Bishop Ronald Diggs of Liberia was arrested and told to stand trial on Good Friday.
Using Our Children -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Jim* was elected president of his class and was on the honor roll both semesters.
Example -- 1999
I saw a man today pushing his four-year-old son across the street at Forest and Harding against the
Prejudice -- 1999
A pastor told of having old church records of a Norwegian congregation which listed membership as: "
Servanthood -- 1999
A special on 60 Minutes, October 18, 1987, was about Sister Emmanuel who lives in the garbage
For Or Against? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
Shelley looked around and took a seat in the front row.
Brother And Sisterhood -- 1999
During the Gulf War Peter Jennings told of an Iraqi family in Texas who named their first son Saddam
Leadership -- 1999
Eric Gritch told of an Italian military captain leading a charge of soldiers.
Mother Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Liliana called me to her room at three that afternoon.
How About Humor? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
When the Japanese were bombing Pearl Harbor, the story is told that when American soldiers were runn
Gospel -- 1999
The Cathedral of Mexico City has a wire suspended from the ceiling to the floor with a plumb line we
An Impossible Wish -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, how I would like to spare my children and loved ones much of the unnecessary pain and folly we
Faith -- 1999
In southern Egypt the temples are built on the east side of the Nile where the sun comes up.
Priorities -- 1999
When the Berkeley Hills fire spread, Carol and I parked our station wagon, ready to leave in a minut

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Work Goes On -- True Happiness -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Do You Have All The Answers? -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord, my soul! O Lord, my God, how great you are!
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 30)
Proper 21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Mark 10:35-45)
Speak Up For Freedom -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: How shall we serve our God who has blessed us in so many ways?
First Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipOne: Lord, your light is shining to the nations.
Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Job 1:1; 2:1-10Theme: Testing Our FaithCall To Worship
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 139)All: O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
Wisdom Calls -- Mark 8:27-38, James 3:1-12, Proverbs 1:20-33 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The law of the Lord is perfect; it gives new strength.
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 65)One: Praise is due to you, O God.
True Happiness -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people,
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 4)
The Lord Made Us All -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Serve the Lord with a right spirit.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipWomen: We know love by this, that Jesus laid down his life for us.
A Time For Singing -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipRight: The spirit told Philip to join the chariot of the Ethiopian.
Pray That All The Peoples Of Earth May Know God -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeft: Is there a place where we can come to laugh?
Seek Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The way to become wise is to honor the Lord;
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Acts 1:6-11)
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe hear your words, "Do not be afraid. I am with you."
Accepting Responsibility For Our Failures -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Create in me a pure heart, O God,
Easter Sunday -- Psalm 118:14-24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (Psalm 118:14-24)
When Our Leaders Fail Us -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Be still, so God may speak to you in the silence of your heart.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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33 – Sermons
140+ – 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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