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Timothy J. Smith

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The Village Shepherd

Grow Up! -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
The best way to jump-start your spiritual life, according to a recent survey, is to serve others in

SermonStudio

The Light Has Come -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2010
As the Magi scanned the heavens they noticed a star brighter than all the others in the night sky.
The Total Gift -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the
Building a Solid Foundation -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
The long-awaited dream would soon become a reality. Ground was broken for the family's new home.
Spirit-Direct -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2010
"Growing up," Valerie recalled, "I was involved in many of my church's activities for children." Rec
The Best Gift of All -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2010
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve.
Praise and Blame -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
"Where there is no vision, the people perish," the writer of the Old Testament book of Proverbs decl
The Church Is the Place -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2010
The internet has changed the way people relate to each other.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2010
Praise God for all the wonderful things God has done in our lives and in our world!
Everyone Is Invited -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- Timothy J. Smith -- 2010
Every summer Kaitlin joins her youth group on mission trips.
Divided We Fall -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2010
The power of a vision can transform people. We just celebrated Martin Luther King Day. Dr.
The Gift that Matters! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
As we gather on the Sunday after Christmas we do so with a sigh of relief.
Unity and Hope -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
As we make our way through Advent inching closer to Christmas, our days are consumed with many tasks
Credible Witnesses -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2010
Each one of us can remember those special transforming moments in our lives.
Lift High the Cross -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2010
There might be times in our lives when we are confused and unsure about what direction to go next.
Wake Up Call -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Advent always seems out of place with everything else that is going on around us.
Waiting for Christmas -- James 5:7-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Excitement is building on this the third Sunday of Advent knowing that Christmas will soon be here.
Discerning in Love -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2010
Many people have come to rely on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to travel from one place to anothe
Grow Up! -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
The best way to jump-start your spiritual life, according to a recent survey, is to serve others in
Forward March -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
It was truly a day of new beginnings as the people prepared to make the long-anticipated entry into
A Change Of Mind -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
While it has been suggested that idle hands are the playthings of the devil -- the same may be true
A Question Of Loyalty -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Lookout Mountain is a popular tourist destination located in the northwest corner of Georgia, just s
Show Me What's Real -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Have you ever found yourself in a position or place where you would rather not be?
Reversal And Victory -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
"When God is going to do something wonderful," author Anne Lamott claims, "God always starts with a
Living On The Edge -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
The long journey was finally nearing its conclusion.

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Stories

StoryShare

We Are, None Of Us, Our Own -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Psalm 99 -- Scott Dalgarno, Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
As For Me And My House -- Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Craig Kelly, Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "As for Me and My House" by Craig Kelly

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The Memorable Meeting -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
The church meeting erupted in contention over, of all things, a new piano.
Roller Coaster Ride -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
Rob was like any other teenager; he enjoyed doing the usual things that teenagers do.
Danielle's Laughter -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
Five-year-old Danielle, along with her younger sister and brother, arrived in time for Sunday School
Noelle's Summer Vacation -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
Noelle was an attractive strawberry blond who grew up in southern California.
A Gift Is Only A Gift When It Is Shared -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Beth cannot remember a time when she did not attend church, probably because she never had a choice.
Julie's Love Shines Through -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
One warm evening, within sight of her house, Julie found herself in a difficult position, a complete
Bruce's Integrity -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
No one was expecting the announcement that Bruce would retire after many years serving on the state
Vicki's First Christmas -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
Life was anything but easy for Vicki.
Larry's Boat -- John 3:1-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
It wasn't as though Larry was a bad person -- he certainly was not.
Two Brothers -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Bobby and his brother Gordie were waiting to be picked up to attend Vacation Bible School at their n
Take Me Out To The Ball Game! -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
Whenever visiting the community park he could not help but notice ten-year-old Tony and his younger
Send In The Clowns -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
It certainly was a risky thing to do -- to invite clowns to participate in the worship service.
Carla's Persistence -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
Carla was a fighter. That much was evident from several telephone conversations.
The Exit Ramp -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
He stood there at the exit ramp, an imposing figure.
God's Direction -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
If it's true that our family of origin defines who we are from the moment of our birth, then Marvin
If Only I Had Known! -- John 14:15-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Diane, by her own admission, was a difficult teenager who often gave her mother a tempestuous time.
Seventh Grade Sunday School Class -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
Hank and Charlene were gifted Sunday School teachers.
Angie's Grand Adventure -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
Eight-year-old Angie and her family were visiting friends in suburban Washington DC.
Ed's Vacation -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
Ed and Darlene were looking forward to their summer vacation.
Set Free -- John 4:5-42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Ken grew up thinking he was no good at anything.
Missed Out -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
Have you ever missed an opportunity that you were later sorry you neglected to act on?
Home Movies -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
One evening, for some unknown reason, Kay found herself alone in her basement watching old home movi
TALK The Walk -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
A group of mothers has been meeting once a month to pray for their children, as well as for other st

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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...

New & Featured This Week

StoryShare

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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