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Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
"We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
We have three different accounts of the conversion of Saul in the Gospel according to Luke (9:1-20;
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme The teachings, miracles, and earthly ministry of Jesus.
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
John W. Wurster -- 2003
John 2:1-11Epiphany 2Miracle ThreeWedding At Cana
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
This reading from Acts is the stated lesson in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Proper 28 -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
A number of subsidiary themes emerge in this reading from Acts, and we probably should take note of
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
An Introduction To The Advent Season -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2003
Happy New Year!
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 5:1-11Epiphany 5Miracle FourCatch Of Fish
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
This text gives the third in a series of four visions (7:1--8:3) that the prophet Amos was granted d
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
This story about Peter's mission to the Gentiles continues the account that began in 10:1, and it re
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
All Saints' Sunday -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Matthew 2:1-12EpiphanyMiracle OneThe Star
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
The lectionary often combines parts of two separate sections.
Proper 5 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Our text for the morning sets us down in the middle of what many have called Paul's second missionar
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 17:11-19Proper 23Pentecost 21Ordinary Time 28

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The Spiritual Gateway -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Picture this: You are on your way to the airport to catch a flight to a wedding where you are in the
The Cost Of Being A Prophet -- Mark 6:14-29 -- George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
John the Baptist is one of the heroes of the Christian faith.
Trusting God's Promises -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Luke 1:26-38 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Unfortunately, in our culture we have been conditioned to expect people to break their promises.
Using Scripture And Other Sources To Understand Jesus -- Luke 24:44-53 -- David T. Ball -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
One of most interesting places in our public libraries is the biography section.
To Whom Do We Belong? -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
The claim that we belong to God, a God who decisively determines our true identity amidst the compet
Being Single-minded -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
The Second Coming of Christ was much in the thoughts of the ancient church.
Nice Guys Finish First -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
One day, a Sunday school teacher asked her class of children about their favorite Bible verses.
Coming Apart So We Don't Come Apart -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading from Mark is a clear picture of the Christian life.
Watch! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Mark 13 speaks to those who expect too much and to those who expect too little.
Beware: Hypocrites On Premises -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Whenever I happen to be in a conversation with someone about why they don't go to church, it seems l
Listening To The Dreams -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
These two sermons constitute the heart of Stroupe's homiletic response to the events of 9/11.
Looking Out For Others -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Being able to synthesize in such a way that harmony can be the outcome is among the many things the
Mrs. Proverbs -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
It's a question you've probably not thought much about, but were any parts of the Bible written by w
The Word Behind The Text -- John 6:1-21 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Entering her office, the Reverend Ashley Baker-Campbell noticed her secretary was paging her: "Sally
Repent! -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
A new beginning is a valuable thing. A fresh start is a great relief.
Baptism: The Common Call To Holiness -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time long ago a young man decided to become a saint.
Benediction -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
This sermon, on the confrontation between the prophet Nathan and King David, and the sermon on Mary'
A Man For All Seasons -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
The enigma of human relationships and how that relates to the living God is all about us.
Denial Ain't A River In Egypt -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Have you ever denied something that, deep down, you know to be true?
Plea For Discipline -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
In a way, Christians are all in the Olympics!
Stewards Of Power -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Stewards Of Power
Finding Jesus -- John 6:24-35 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Martin Hanford is the author of several popular children's books featuring "Waldo," a dapper little
Rejoice! -- Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
I keep coming back to it time after time, so it is never going to stop being one of the most signifi
Belonging To The Truth -- John 18:33-37 -- Stan Purdum -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
(Note: Although the lectionary reading stops at verse 37, I recommend reading through verse 38a, whi
Apostolic Instruction -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Saint Paul is "on a roll!" He keeps on coming with what he expects of the followers of Christ, as he

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

No-Win -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
There is a witticism that goes, "Why do we buy things we don't want, just to impress people we can't
Offering -- 1999
In an Iowa snowstorm the willow trees in back of our home bent way over from the weight.
Humility -- 1999
Lee Kalmer, Dean of ISU College of Agriculture, told of a farmer buying a new tractor.
Witness -- 1999
Mercedes Benz has an ad on television in which a big, new, black Mercedes crashes into a wall for re
Lesson From The Shamrock -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
Shar was worried. She was in charge of the children's sermon this Sunday.
Compassion -- 1999
An ad for Pioneer in Newsweek shows a man and a woman in pajamas reclining on a couch reading
A Blessed Harvest -- John 12:20-33 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It sounded like thunder. There wasn't a cloud in the sky that morning. The noise grew louder.
Dare We? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
May it be that we are blind today, Leon?
Ordination -- 1999
We ordained 41 that hot Sunday morning in the church in Medan, Sumatra.
Humor -- 1999
The Iowa State football coach told a story about a football game between centipedes and insects.
Worship -- 1999
In The Covenant Book of Worship published by Covenant Press in 1981 (p.
A Prayer Is Answered -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Virginia and Ralph wanted a child. They wanted a son, as a matter of fact.
Conscience -- 1999
We installed an alarm system in the faculty annex this week.
Madame And Maid -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
Isabel put on a white glove. Today was Thursday. Cleaning day in the house.
Novelty Addiction -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
My six-year-old granddaughter says she is bored.
Our Soul -- 1999
Rolly Martinson tells the story of a boy who would not stop clicking his heels each time he stood up
Humor Singing -- 1999
A little boy in Northern Ireland was riding a bicycle and singing: "The Protestants got all the hous
God's Precious Gift -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Paul and Rosa had tried and tried to have a baby.
Conversion -- 1999
My medical doctor friend explained today how in medical terms the doctor must convert the heart when
Julia -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Julia is the first of seven children and the only girl.
Deadlock -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A popular book two generations ago was the Republican presidential candidate Wendell Willkie's On
Overburdened -- 1999
A truck driver going through a town on the truck route stopped at each stop street, got out, banged
Hurt -- 1999
Pastor David Rowe points out: "There is an old African proverb which says it doesn't matter whether
A Mother's Thoughts -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
She held the baby to her chest, looking into his eyes.
What Limits? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We humans possess an aggressive instinct. We are killer apes. Man is a promiscuous creature.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

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I Am The Resurrection -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 7 -- Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 28 -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of LightCall To Worship
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Lord Will ProvideCall To Worship
Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Theme: Trustworthy StewardsCall To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Romans 13:11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Time To Wake UpCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Victory Through FaithCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christian PerfectionCall To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: Live In PeaceCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Psalm 133 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: A Living HopeCall To Worship
In My Father's House -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 8 -- Romans 6:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Theme: Wages Versus GiftCall To Worship
Proper 28 -- Psalm 76 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
First Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Be Ready -- The Son Of Man Is ComingCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- John 3:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Love And Our ResponseCall To Worship
For The Musician -- Marie A. Asner -- 2001
Suggested HymnsEntrance
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Invisible PresenceCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 98 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Holy Trinity -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ With Us AlwaysCall To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: Overcoming AdversityCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The DoubterCall To Worship
I Am The Bread Of Life -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, The Light Of The WorldCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Epiphany 4 (OT 4)
28 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 5 (OT 5)
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 6 (OT 6)
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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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:

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.”

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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