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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
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Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 14
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 16
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
21 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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John Jamison
Object: A drawing or photo of lips and a drawing or photos of a heart.

* * *

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

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For September 1, 2024:

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I was a young man and fairly new to the ministry. I was feeling stung by some criticism that I had received, and so I was talking to my parents about it because they knew the person involved. And along the way, my mother said to me, “Well, you’ve got to consider the source.”
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Song of Solomon 2:8-13

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“It’s just wrong,” Martha whispered. “He needs to take off his hat in church.”

John looked up from reading the Sunday bulletin. “Who has to take off his hat?”

“That young man.” She pointed to the other side of the church. “He’s up there near the front.”

“Henry? That’s not a hat, he’s just changed his hair color again.” John shook his head. “I swear that lad changes the color more than I change my socks.”

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“Oh, the one with the Yankees cap?”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

In our worship today let us open our hearts to Jesus, asking him to help us to be clean and pure within.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, we are not always fully aware of our inner selves.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we appear better on the outside than we are inside.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, help us to become the same inside as outside.
Lord, have mercy.

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"There's Jackson, standing like a stone wall." Those words, spoken at the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas), secured the reputation of Confederate officer Thomas Jonathan Jackson. Forever after, he has been known as Stonewall Jackson -- the courageous general who could not be moved, even as the bullets whistled by him.

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Leaders of all stripes have always had sycophants in abundance to sustain their delusion of power. Doting tongues to puff up the king are nothing new. From Elizabethan jesters to plaster-faced, neck-tied staffers in oval offices, it seems a constant theme. But here we find a caveat of sorts. Sure, the king is a "handsome man." Let us be clear, however, about where real power is to be found.
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When I was a camp director the rules of long established and understood games were constantly being changed in order to incorporate a larger sphere of players. For the same reason Jesus said, "You have a clever way of rejecting God's law in order to uphold your own teaching." Jesus had a knack for constantly changing the rules of the game of life in order to incorporate a larger sphere of people in his kingdom net.
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The Hebrew word for love, awhab or awrag, means "to pant, to long for, to breathe heavily after." Psalm 41:1 says, "As a deer pants for the waters so my soul longs after you." In John 3:16, the idea is that God so loved the world, so breathed heavily after you and me, that he gave his only Son....

God is passionate for you. His breathing is labored. He loves you.

There is a book in the Old Testament that is full of heavy breathing. It is titled, "Song of Solomon," or "The Song of Songs." And it deals forthrightly with sexual passion, courtship, and matrimony.

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