Login / Signup

Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Activity

Commentary

Children's bulletin

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's sermon

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

In order to be useful... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2002
In order to be useful, a symbol has to be understood by both the people using it and the people obse
A fellow wanted a job... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2002
A fellow wanted a job as a signalman on the railway.
There continues to be a... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2002
There continues to be a debate in the Christian community about what it means to be "poor in spirit.
A piano looks ominous to... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2002
A piano looks ominous to us when we first sit down at the keyboard. White keys, black keys.
No mercy! None expected, none... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2002
"No mercy!
Juana crouched down. She knew... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
Juana crouched down.
She once asked Mother Teresa... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
She once asked Mother Teresa if she could come to Calcutta and serve with her there.
A local television station presented... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
A local television station presented a Family Health and Fitness Fair, a public service to educate p
These are powerful words that... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
These are powerful words that remind us that God is able to work through our weakness.
The rock group Chumbawamba has... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
The rock group Chumbawamba has a hit song called "Tubthumpin'." I heard this song used before a bask
A pastor once asked an... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
A pastor once asked an adult Bible study class what their favorite part of the worship service was.
There are 85 people listed... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
There are 85 people listed as Santa Claus in telephone directories in the United States.
Some memories seem never to... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
Some memories seem never to fade away.
The Jameson family was large... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1996
The Jameson family was large and close.
I once asked an adult... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1996
I once asked an adult Vacation Bible School class what their favorite part of the worship service wa
A couple from a congregation... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1996
A couple from a congregation I served one day visited another family in the congregation.
Whatever else might characterize God... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1996
Whatever else might characterize God, Frank was convinced that an outrageous sense of humor was one
I once knew a man... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1996
I once knew a man who was a very bright and successful doctor.
It is natural for a... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1996
It is natural for a person to boast, almost without knowing it, as he fulfills an inner desire to te
William Blake's Clod And The... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1996
William Blake's "Clod And The Pebble" illustrates 2 kinds of love: "Love seeketh only self to please
On a Saturday afternoon in... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1996
On a Saturday afternoon in November 1994, a Methodist minister officiated at a wedding in Bridgeport
One preacher reflecting on a... -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
One preacher reflecting on a required college course, "PH100: Introduction to Philosophy," tells abo
Among all my patients in... -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
Among all my patients in the second half of life, that is, over 35, there has not been one whose la
She was right: dignity was... -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
"She was right: dignity was important. But so was the impulse to get rid of it ...
The Judeo-Christian tradition lifts... -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
The Judeo-Christian tradition lifts up this scripture passage as one of its flagship affirmations.

Preaching

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

The Foolishness Of The Cross -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
I recently watched a televised tribute to Dame Judi Dench, who really is an outstanding actr
Justice For All -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
In 1999, a young couple lost their baby son to cot death at the age of eighteen weeks.

Stories

Worship

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 9
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
28 – Children's Sermons / Resources
21 – Worship Resources
24 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 10
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
21 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 11
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For July 21, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Frank Ramirez
In each of these scriptures it is up to recognize who is the star of the show. We might be surprised. David thinks he is honoring God by building a temple, but isn’t he really honoring himself as the typical conqueror who builds temples to the gods as a testimony to his accomplishments as a ruler?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord... So I will attend to you for your evil doings... Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands... I will raise up shepherds over them... and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. (vv. 1-5)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Let us join together to use this time for rest and relaxation within the preence of our Lord.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we are lazy and don't do what you want us to do.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we are too busy and wilfully refuse to take time off.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, help us to manage our time and our own physical and emotional needs.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Julia E. Bland
It is through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, that we become part of his flock.

Scripture: John 10:9

Background Devotions: Psalm 23

Visual Aids: Medicine, a large cup, perhaps a cane. If a cane is used, you will need to explain that the staff was shaped something like a cane but it was much longer and the rounded part was bigger.

Handouts: Activity sheets; star stickers for the color page of the activity sheet, if desired
John E. Sumwalt
Patricia M. Thaker
In February of 2000, my grandfather, Lloyd Dings, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away just twelve days later. My grandparents were married 56 years. The legacy he leaves behind is a wonderful wife and a beautiful family
Kristin Borsgard Wee
Four years ago this week, I was walking through an African village in Namibia with my friend, Solveig Kjeseth. We stopped to look at a strange tower formed out of earth. It was about five feet high, crooked in shape, wide at the bottom and coming to a point at the top. I thought it looked like the top of a giant, rumpled witch's hat, only it was gray instead of black. Solveig informed me, much to my surprise, that it was an anthill. I was even more surprised when we came across many more, some of which towered over my head. They were huge!
William J. Carl, III
Have you ever noticed how some families move a lot? Some are corporate moves, some are military, and some are United Methodist pastors. Whatever the case, every time they move they have to find new lodging. In the military, quarters are often provided. The same may be true for clergy if churches own a manse or a parsonage. But, sometimes you have to look for a new home, which means spending some time with real estate agents traveling here and there to find the perfect house. Of course, no house is ever perfect. When you own a home, no matter where you sit you see something that needs fixing.
Mark Ellingson
On this last Sunday of the Church Year (we call it Christ the King Sunday) our attention is directed to the reign of Christ -- to his glorious reign which has already begun with the resurrection on Easter. It is a Sunday to think about salvation, because where Christ reigns salvation is effected. These themes are especially evident in our First Lesson.
Mark Ellingson
On this last Sunday of the Church Year (we call it Christ the King Sunday) our attention is directed to the reign of Christ -- to his glorious reign which has already begun with the resurrection on Easter. It is a Sunday to think about salvation, because where Christ reigns salvation is effected. These themes are especially evident in our First Lesson.
Through Christ, God has solved the problem of conflict between races.

CSSPlus

Good morning! I don't know how much you know about sheep. I really don't know too much except this: sheep need shepherds or fences. Without either a shepherd or fences, sheep eat the grass and never know just where they are. They can wander away and become lost. Or something worse can happen to them. They can wander apart and be attacked by wild dogs or wolves or coyotes or some other dangerous animal. They can also fall into water and drown. Sheep without a shepherd or fence will find danger.

Today most sheep are in pastures with fences to protect them

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL