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Cynthia E. Cowen

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Believing With Your Heart -- John 20:19-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: don’t just know about Jesus, believe in Jesus with your heart
Jesus, Ruler Of The Universe -- John 12:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: this miracle reveals that Jesus has authority over the material world
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.
Lean on Jesus for Eternal Life -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2015
The Point: Lean upon Jesus for he alone can give eternal life
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
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
Jesus Alone Is Important -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2015
The Point: The things of this world will be lost but not Jesus
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
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.
Serve in the Name of Jesus -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2015
The Point: As Jesus served us we serve others
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.
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
Jesus Is King of All -- John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2015
The Point: Jesus is King of all of life and of our hearts
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
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.
Blinded by Doubt? Call on Jesus -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2015
The Point: Blinded by doubt or worry, call out to Jesus for sight
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.
Children in God's Kingdom -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
The Point: Children are important in God's kingdom
Love As Jesus -- John 15:9-17 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
The Point: As a child of God, Jesus gives us one commandment - to love as he loves.
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.
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.
Saints Believe in Jesus -- John 11:32-44 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
The Point: A saint believes in Jesus and trusts him for eternal life
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

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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 -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Vera was a unique woman. During her marriage she birthed two natural sons.
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.
NULL -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2012
The British poet Lord Byron wrote, "They never fail who die in a great cause." Over the centuries ma
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King Sunday (Proper 29) (2012) -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2012) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
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.
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.
NULL -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Wherever Anne went, she ran each morning.
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 Reformation Day (2012) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Evan was graduating.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | OT 23 (2012) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
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)
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
NULL -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Mrs. Edwards had a passion for teaching.
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 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
On Valentine's Day romantics old or young have the opportunity to declare their love.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2012) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2012) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 1:20-33

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We Belong In God's Presence -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Closing Night ServiceWe Belong In God's PresenceInvocation:
A Celebration Of The Lord's Supper -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Invitation Is Announced*Call To Worship
A Service For Palm Sunday -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Word Makes Confession
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
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!
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
Good Friday's Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
Invocation *P: Standing in the darkness of this day, we feel the pain
The Lord Makes Confession -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Lord Makes Confession*Invocation
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 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
The Confession Of Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
The Silence Calls Us To Examine OurselvesTime Of Reflection And Self-Examination
Lazarus' Personal Confession -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
"I've Tasted Life, I've Tasted Death" My name is Lazarus.
The Confession Of The Darkness -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
As Christ was laid in the tomb, his followers had to stand
Hearts One In Christ -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Celebrating Unity
Installation Of Sunday School Teachers -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Of Commissioning
Weaving A Tapestry Of Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Of CommunionTHE CALL TO BEGIN TO WEAVE OUR WORSHIP
A Memorial Day Remembrance -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service For Memorial Day
Bible Sunday -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service For Bible Presentation
Installation Of Readers And Communion Assistants -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Of Commissioning
In Honor Of Father -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service For Father's DayFather's Day, a day set aside in honor of "father."
Hearts That Celebrate Freedom -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service For Independence DayA CALL TO REMEMBER OUR FREEDOM
Honoring The Heart Of Peace -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service In Remembrance Of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Blanket Sunday -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service To Recognize Relief WorkersHYMN: "Praise and Thanksgiving"
Hearts Yearning To Give -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Of Commitment
Cut, Broken, Stirred And Healed -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1992
A Service Of ReconciliationWELCOME AND INSTRUCTIONS

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
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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John E. Sumwalt
Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. (vv.8-10)

I, John Sumwalt, believe in God! It’s the reality in which, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “I live and move and have my being.”
John E. Sumwalt
Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. (vv.8-10)

I, John Sumwalt, believe in God! It’s the reality in which, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “I live and move and have my being.”

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John Jamison
Object: A sign that says, “The Home of Jesus!” (Click here to download the sign I used.)

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The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For February 2, 2025:
  • Love Notes To The Powerful by Chris Keating. Jesus' sermon to his hometown crowd provides a reminder of what Rev. William Barbour has called "the terrible joy" of preaching.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Imagine an aging church leader or preacher who has seen one technology tool after another change the face of how messages of fait are communicated. It started with the chalkboard, overhead plastic sheets on a projector to now various forms of computer software programs off a laptop onto a screen. With all the modern technology changes going at increasing megabytes per second, is God’s Word still as accurate and effective as in times past?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Jeremiah 1:4-10
There are plenty of things in contemporary American society which could use a prophetic voice to challenge them. We think of all the ugliness in our public discourse and on the net. There is the rising tide of anti-semitism. Reuters reported a 268.1 times wage gap in 2023 between the salary of the median employed worker and CEO pay. Racism is hardly vanishing given legislation passed in a number of state legislatures against teaching Critical Race Theory. John Calvin well described an important aspect of the sort of prophecy we need. He wrote:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The story of the presentation of Jesus in the temple is strong on two 'bit-part' characters, Simeon and Anna, both of whom are old, and neither of whom has any other mention in the Bible. This story is an imaginary biography of Anna.

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Most people, at one time or another, have had the regrettable experience of needing refuge. Untold millions around this war-ripped world are literally refugees, whose lives are shattered as they are uprooted and left bereft of home, family, and any visible means of sustenance. Countless women around the world suffer from the brutality of abuse by their male partners and are in need of refuge. Each day the numbers of homeless poor on the streets of America grows and grows. They, too, need refuge.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
During the 56 years of his life, Adolf Hitler did incredible harm and was responsible for the death of millions of people. Yet in all of the horror that he unleashed, there were pinpoints of light and nobility. One German soldier, Private Joseph Schultz, was one of those pinpoints.
Derl G. Keefer
Jeremiah had a task, a vision, and a promise from God. The prophet Jeremiah had a call from God to preach his word to a people needing to hear from God. His call has been duplicated multiple times over the centuries.
J. Ellsworth Kalas
David Kalas
In the church, most of us think of Epiphany simply as a season on the church calendar, and sometimes as a season we don't understand too well. We may recall that we are celebrating particularly the revealing of Christ to the Gentile world, via the Wise Men, but not much more.

The dictionary, however, adds further dimension to the word, listen: "a sudden, intuitive perception ... into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience."
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