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Cynthia E. Cowen

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Children's program

Children's sermon

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Trinity: Father, Son, And Holy Spirit -- John 16:12-15 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2016
The Point: God, the Trinity, has come to us as God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit
Key To Eternal Life -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus is the key to eternal life so put your faith in him
Time to Prepare! -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
The Point: The decorations of Christmas remind us to make room for Jesus in our liv
Prepare in a Loving Faith -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
The Point: We prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth not out of fear but out of a loving
Pray Daily -- John 17:6-19 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
The Point:  Jesus models a life of prayer for us to follow.
Mary, Jesus' Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
The Point: We are blessed when we believe that God has made us his children
One God in Three -- John 3:1-17 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2015
The Point: One God revealed in three ways.
Jesus Came to All -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
The Point: You are invited to the greatest moment in history ? Jesus’ birth
Forgiveness builds God's Kingdom -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2015
The Point:  Jesus gives us a forgiveness that builds God's Kingdom.
Grow in the Lord -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
The Point: You can grow in many ways, but the most important is to grow in the Lord
God's Kingdom Grows in Little Acts of Faith -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2015
Object: An acorn (or a small seed of a tree that the children know)
Fear Turns to Faith in Jesus -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
The Point: In the midst of storms let your fear become faith in Jesus.
Put Your Faith Into Action -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2015
The Point: Real faith will be put into action.
Telling About Jesus -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
The Point: Tell others about what has brought great joy to your life.
Who Is Jesus? -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2015
The Point:  Who do you think Jesus is? Your answer can be life transforming.
Jesus Is our Shepherd in Life -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2015
The Point: Like sheep we all need a shepherd to guide our life.
Offerings in the Hands of Jesus -- John 6:1-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2015
The Point: When you offer your life to Jesus he can do wonderful things with it.
Jesus is the Bread of Eternal Life -- John 6:24-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2015
The Point:  Bread is important for daily life, but Jesus alone is the bread that gi
Jesus, The Bread of Eternal Life -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2015
The Point:  When you believe in Jesus and seek to follow him in your daily life, yo
Eternal Life in Jesus -- John 6:51-58 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The Point:  Jesus knows and is the way to eternal life.
Go To Jesus For the Words of Life -- John 6:56-69 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2015
The Point:  Jesus, alone, has the words of eternal life.
Save your life for eternity -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
The Point:  Save your life in Jesus, and you shall have your life for eternity.
What Spills from Your Heart? -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2015
The Point:  Whatever is in your heart will spill as life bumps into you.
Jesus, Savior of the World -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2015
The Point: Jesus did miracles to point to his greatest work -- our salvation
Who Is Jesus to You? -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2015
The Point: To believe that Jesus is our Savior is to seek and to follow him

Church Programs

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving (2012) -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
Joel 2:21-27
NULL -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Women! 4 Positions OpenPalms' Inn & Supper Club
NULL -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2012
One year Thanksgiving plans were cancelled for the Husings.
NULL -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
The children of Shepherd's Preschool loved being leaders.
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2012) -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2012) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Sermon illustrations for New Year's Eve/Day (2012/2013) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
The Andersons raced into church on the last verse of the opening hymn... -- James 1:17-27 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
The Andersons raced into church on the last verse of the opening hymn.
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
Over the holidays Connie lost her watch -- a special gift from her father.
If I say "dandelion," what do you think of?... -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
If I say "dandelion," what do you think of? (an ugly weed)
Ruby looked forward to church potlucks... -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
At 103, Ruby looked forward to church potlucks.
Tucker, the family pet, had a bad eating habit... -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Tucker, the family pet, had a bad eating habit.
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 | OT 2 (2013) -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
Isaiah 62:1-5
Exhausted from having spent a weekend working... -- James 3:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Exhausted from having spent a weekend working in a Minneapolis food pantry, a homeless shelter, and
NULL -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2012
When driving through farm country, have you ever seen llamas grazing with horses?
NULL -- James 5:13-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Measles, chickenpox, swine flu, mad cow disease -- medical words today's "youth" recognize.
In most baptismal services, a ritual of stirring up God's spirit is performed... -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2012
In most baptismal services, a ritual of stirring up God's spirit is performed.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2012) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Ron Love, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2012) -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- All Saints Day - B -- 2012
Note: Because of a scheduling error, we are highlighting these illustrations from 2012.
NULL -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
Exploration of family background revealed that William Moore was born and raised in the territory of
NULL -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2012
True or False: Eating pink pork will make you sick?
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2012) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
NULL -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
As a church youth director, Ardi received lots of flyers in her mailbox.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2012) -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Cynthia E. Cowen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
NULL -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
The book of Job shows us the face of suffering.

Sermon

Stories

Worship

SermonStudio

How Blessed To Work In Unity -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Morning Devotional ServiceInvocation:
A Service For Palm Sunday -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Word Makes Confession
The Tomb Confesses Its Emptiness -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Tomb Confesses Its Emptiness *P: The tomb is empty! He is risen!
The Lord Makes Confession -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Lord Makes Confession*Invocation
The Sun Has Risen, Behold -- The Risen Son! -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Sabbath had ended. The sun shone brightly. Bursts of color
Lazarus' Personal Confession -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
"I've Tasted Life, I've Tasted Death" My name is Lazarus.
A Celebration Of The Lord's Supper -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Invitation Is Announced*Call To Worship
The Confession Of Judas, The Betrayer -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
Let me introduce myself: I am Judas Iscariot. I know what you
Good Friday's Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
Invocation *P: Standing in the darkness of this day, we feel the pain
Love Speaks In The Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
Leader's Helps Leader's Helps: This series of confessions may be made by one
The Confession Of Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Silence Calls Us To Examine OurselvesTime Of Reflection And Self-Examination
The Confession Of The Darkness -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
As Christ was laid in the tomb, his followers had to stand
Will You Tarry With The Lord This Night? -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
*P: We enter the darkness of this Easter Vigil in the hope
Cut, Broken, Stirred And Healed -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Of ReconciliationWELCOME AND INSTRUCTIONS
Installation Of Council Members -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Of Commissioning
Installation Of Sunday School Teachers -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Of Commissioning
Bible Sunday -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service For Bible Presentation
Hearts That Celebrate Freedom -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service For Independence DayA CALL TO REMEMBER OUR FREEDOM
Hearts Yearning To Give -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Of Commitment
Hearts Celebrate The New Year -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service For The New Year
Hearts One In Christ -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Celebrating Unity
A Memorial Day Remembrance -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service For Memorial Day
In Honor Of Father -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service For Father's DayFather's Day, a day set aside in honor of "father."
Blanket Sunday -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service To Recognize Relief WorkersHYMN: "Praise and Thanksgiving"
Hearts Warmed With Thanksgiving -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Thanksoffering Service Of LightINVOCATION
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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For September 21, 2025:

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Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
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Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great!

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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