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Leah Thompson

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Children's sermon

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Burdens eased -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (v. 7)
Extra-terrestrial -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Leah Thompson -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
You are witnesses of these things. (v. 48)
How far? -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor
One pearl -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of
Weeds -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, "Master, did you not sow good seed in you
Hoping vs. knowing -- Romans 8:12-25 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen?
Good soil -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who
God's rules -- Romans 8:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
So that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the f
Safe and warm -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (v.
Forgiveness box -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
Welcome -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. (v.
Batter up -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! (v.
Remembrance of me -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he come
Consider the lilies -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Leah Thompson -- Easter Day - A -- 2011
Note: This piece was originally published April 24, 2011.
Earn your stickers -- John 17:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. (v. 4)
Activation -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as t
Receive -- John 20:19-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (v.
Finally, farewell -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one
Trust -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righ
No fear -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." (v. 7)
Mary stayed at home -- John 11:1-45 -- Leah Thompson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. (v.
Promises to keep -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (v. 20b)
King of the Jews -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." (v. 38)
Centered -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
"He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (v. 17)

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Impossible -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For nothing will be impossible with God. (v. 37)

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Children's Activity

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Bringing fire -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Sabbath laws -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Fortune and fame -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Seeking answers -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Rejoice -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Monopoly -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Expert witness -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Doing what you're ought -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
He was a what? -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Lessons to learn -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Mercy -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Sons of Abraham -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Before a fall -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Leah Thompson -- All Saints Day - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Great expectations -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Stones -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
King of the Jews -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Hare-brained -- John 6:25-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Be Prepared -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Bearing fruit -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
What (not) to wear -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Beloved -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Leah Thompson -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Moving day -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Law and order -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Angel -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Perfect -- Luke 2:1014 (15-20) -- Leah Thompson -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

NULL -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2010
Charlotte and Nancy's friend Tess was a fashion disaster.
NULL -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
A popular poster in grade school classrooms reads something like this: "Thirty years from now, it wo
NULL -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2010
The Israelites were familiar with building.
NULL -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2010
Jerry was not a good neighbor. His dogs sometimes did their business in Randy's yard.
NULL -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2010
"If you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk." We want our role models to practice what they pre
NULL -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2010
In a traditional retelling of the story Beauty and the Beast, the Beast asks Beauty the same
You know the story by heart... -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
You know the story by heart -- perhaps you have this story.
NULL -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
In the classic musical My Fair Lady, Professor Henry Higgins bets a friend that he can transf
NULL -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
During the Underground Railroad, people would hide runaway slaves in their homes.
NULL -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
There is an old, Dutch story about a little boy named Peter who saved all of Holland.
NULL -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
Freedom.
NULL -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
When you are a child, your parents are invincible.
Have you ever been in a bad argument with someone? -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
Have you ever been in a bad argument with someone?
Expecting parents have to be careful... -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
Expecting parents have to be careful when it comes near their child's due date.
NULL -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Elementary-school art teachers teach their students how to make "happy mistakes." If a student makes
NULL -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Stop for a moment and evaluate your resources.
NULL -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
One character in the book Les Miserables by Victor Hugo is named Inspector Javert.
NULL -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
We spend a lot of our time ignoring big problems. It is not a new phenomenon.
NULL -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
Samantha likes to bribe people.
The book Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein is a well-known book... -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
The book Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein is a well-known book of children's poetr
NULL -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
In the film Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood plays a man who has nothing left to live for.
NULL -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Kirstin, a university student, worked backstage in the school's theatre as a costumer.
NULL -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
In Ray Bradbury's science fiction classic Fahrenheit 451, firefighters are not as we know the
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
When you are in the third grade, times tables are one of the world's great mysteries.
NULL -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Anthony is a good actor, but he says he doesn't want to audition for the school play.

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
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...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For March 8, 2026:

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
Somewhere in my life I heard someone say something like, “The challenge with John (the gospel writer) is he is better at theatre than at writing.” The implications of this comment were about passages such as this one about Jesus and the woman of Samaria.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus reaches across every racial and cultural barrier, offering salvation to all.

Old Testament Lesson
Exodus 17:1-7
Water From A Rock
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Lee Griess
Streams of living water ... That's what the Son of God offered the Samaritan woman at the well, and that's what he offers us as well -- streams of living water -- life-giving, life-renewing, life-refreshing water that can satisfy those who drink so that we will never thirst again. We are offered water that satisfies our longings in life, water that nourishes our innermost selves, and water that comes from an active, living trust in God and a passionate faith in Christ.
Frank Luchsinger
Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen. The pastor was trying to show some of his parishioners the church's new web page. With pride he had gathered them into his office after the Christian Education Committee meeting. He paused. "I don't do this very often ... We may have to try this another time," he said disappointed. "Try 'church,' " someone says, looking over his shoulder. The pastor types c - h - u - r - c - h. Amazingly the internet connection pops up on the screen. A password is a secret word given to gain entry. It can mean security.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Knowledge that water is an integral ingredient of life was a concept not lost on the ancients. The great civilizations of the world located themselves near water and used it in most every aspect of their daily lives. The Egyptians built the world's first great empire along the Nile. In the midst of the desert a flourishing community existed and grew in size and strength. The water of the river provided the source of life for the people then as it does today. On both sides of the Nile a rich and fertile area exists for farming and grazing of livestock.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus and his weather-beaten band of wandering disciples were still heading north and had been for some days. To some extent Jesus had decided to get out of Judea, where he had been working, in order to avoid competition with John the Baptist in that region.
Harry N. Huxhold
One of the most colorful, exciting, and stirring scenes in all of the scriptures is the call of the prophet Isaiah. The account is dated in the year that King Uzziah died. That does not necessarily mean Uzziah was already dead. This scene could have taken place in the temple during a religious festival such as New Year's Day. At such a festival, the cultic ceremonies honored the divine king being enthroned as conqueror of all the enemies of the people.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7
Theme: With Us Or Not?

Call To Worship

Two sides comprise every journey: the found side during which we trust in God's care, and the lost side where we fear that alone we will not make it through. At the worst, we scuffle and fuss within the confines of confusion, then shout, "Are you here with us or not, God?" At the best, we quiet down, hear God's voice in the silence, and proceed with hope. Wherever you are on your present journey, know that, here, you are welcome.

Collect
Wayne H. Keller
The Community Gathers

Invitation to the Celebration

Why have you come to worship today? Out of habit? To see your friends? To enjoy the singing? To hear the sermon? To learn something? To get help for the coming week? To restore your sense of values? For 100 other reasons? (Pause.) And, now that we're here, let us worship, in the Name of God the Parent, God the Child, God the Spirit. And all the people said, "Right on!"

Response

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." Let us pray that we may be true worshippers today.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when we try to hide from you, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when we fail to worship in spirit and in truth, forgive us.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when we neglect to reveal you to others, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Sermon Starters: "Crossing Lines" / "Meeting a Prophet"
Shining Moments: "Water Sign" by Anne Sunday
Scrap Pile: "Healing the Soul" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt
Keith Hewitt
Timothy Smith
Contents

What's Up This Week
"Testing One, Two, Three..." by Keith Hewitt
"The Account" by Keith Hewitt
"Set Free" by Timothy Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in Japan, rescuers hurry. They do so to alleviate the pain of the survivors, to certify the hopes and fears of those who are related to victims of the disaster, and ...
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement. Now he wonders about his place in society. He begins to spend much of his weekend time walking alone in the woods. One day he finds himself on an unfamiliar path that leads him to a small pond. As he stands beside the pond, the water begins to stir and bubble until there is a lovely little fountain. Astonishingly, a voice calls out to him: "Arnold Flagler! This is the Fountain of Youth!"

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