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SermonStudio

Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a (C)
When Demons Come To Church -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
We still have help when evil grips us and demands
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 8 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 (C)
Blessed Are The Mothers-in-Law -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
We, too, have been saved that we might also serve
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 43:16-21 (C, RC, E)
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (C)
Bringing The Paralyzed To Christ -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
A hole-patched Capernaum roof reminded many who saw
Preaching On Biblical Personalities -- John R. Bodo -- 2000
1. Rewards
Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Amos 7:7-17 (C)
Galilee's Hillside Sharing -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Jesus had compassion on the many hungry listeners,
Sermons -- John R. Bodo -- 2000
1. Thomas The DoubterIntroductory Note
Maundy Thursday / Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Amos 8:1-12 (C)
Sinking Boats And Water Walking -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Don't be afraid, the first thought apparition spoke,
Brainstorms -- John R. Bodo -- 2000
1. Hosea
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13--53:12 (C, RC, E)
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Hosea 1:2-10 (C)
Mercy On The Wrong Day -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
To the bent-over crippled in the spirit on a Sabbath,
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Hosea 11:1-11 (C)
Sight For The Blind And Persistent -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Blind Bartimaeus was rewarded for faith and persistence,
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 5:27-32 (C)
Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 (C)

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

History: His Story -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
There have been many who have sought to write a history of the world.
All Things New -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Years ago I worked at a telecatalog center.
Defeat Transformed Into Victory -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Two men, both seriously ill, shared the same room in a hospital.
Once To Every Man And Nation -- Esther 4:13-17 -- 2004
Once a churchman wrote a letter to his pastor.
After Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Obsolete. Superceded. Null and void.
Out Of Conflict -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Today, we are going to talk about conflict. How do you feel about conflict?
Anger -- Ephesians 4:25-32 -- 2004
We may come to church on Mother's Day with certain expectations.
Supper's Ready! -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Let's pretend!
No Temple -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
The long-running television medical series, ER, seems on the surface to be just another "real
The Choice For God Or The World -- John 10:1-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Once upon a time, a great and loving king ruled over a vast territory.
God's 'No' -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- 2004
We modern Christians like to think of ourselves as people who practice a positive religion, one that
Adam's Legacy -- Romans 5:12-19 -- Richard W. Ferris -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye is the Jewish father of five girls living in a Russ
Surprised By God -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
We live in a culture that is increasingly secular.
It's About Time -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- 2004
One of the gifts my wife Bonnie and I gave each other this Christmas is an antique clock.
Do Politics And Religion Mix? -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
It was a trap. The Pharisees set it.
Season Finale -- Revelation 22:12-17, 20-21 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
I understand why people play the lottery.
Jesus, Our Rock Foundation -- John 14:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents bought him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedr
How Can I Love My Country? -- Exodus 31:18; 32:1, 7-12, 30-34 -- 2004
How can Christians love their country? How can an American Christian love America?
Abraham Believed God -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Abraham believed God.
When Jacob Got A Vision -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
The storyteller is talking about great men and women of vision.
First In War, First In Peace -- Psalm 1 -- 2004
Peter Gibbon is an author, lecturer, and much-quoted researcher at Harvard University. Dr.
How To Love God -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
In the rock opera Jesus Christ: Superstar, Mary Magdalene sings, "I don't know how to love hi
What Is Revealed? -- Revelation 5:1-13 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In that wonderful old movie, High Noon, Gary Cooper is Will Kane, marshal of a small, roug
God Never Gives Up On Anyone -- John 14:15-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contributi
Christian Citizenship In A Pluralistic Society -- Psalm 33 -- 2004
"Happy [blessed] is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12).

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Generations -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
The ringing phone woke us out of a deep sleep. I scrabbled for the receiver.
A Double Recipe -- John 6:51-58 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
Karenza picked up the telephone for her study. It was Mr.
Come, Lord Jesus -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1992
Two women lay in their beds on the third floor of a downtown nursing home.
In A Land Of Deep Darkness ... -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1992
In almost any other setting Memorial's modern brick building, surrounded by neatly trimmed evergreen
Between A Rock And A Hard Place -- Psalm 40:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1992
There is a high hill which overlooks the little city of Rich-land Center, in south west Wisconsin wh
Cleansed -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1992
Shirley sits bolt upright in her bed and cries out, "Enough, I can't bear it anymore!" The back of h
The Mortician's Tale -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Easter Day - A -- 1992
It was on a warm Saturday afternoon, late in the spring of 1911. I'll never forget the day.
Creation -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1992
The Almighty One was alone.
What Counts In The End? -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1992
There was once a woman who believed very strongly in the sanctity of marriage.
TRANSCENDENT IDENTITY - A GIFT -- 1991
A few years ago a woman in the eastern part of the United States wrote a letter to Jim Ludwig, the m
YOU CANNOT SAY IT WITH FLOWERS -- 1991
All of us purchase, erect, and decorate a Christmas tree.
THE TREASURE OF GREATEST VALUE -- 1991
There is a tingling excitement in stories about buried treasure.
The Story Of The Rescued Baby -- Exodus 1:22-2:10 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
My name is Miriam. Perhaps you know me.
Advent 1 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
What is at the very center of Christmas?
The Story Of The Stubborn Donkey -- Numbers 22:1-30 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
Some people say that animals are dumb. I don't know exactly what "dumb" means.
The Story Of The Little Man Who Climbed A Tree -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
My name is Esther, and my husband is the chief tax collector in the city of Jericho.
The Story Of The Man Who Lived Again -- John 11:1-15 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
Our home is a simple home, and we are a simple family.
The Greatest Story Ever Told Or Heard -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Robert A. Morgan -- 1991
The opening verses of the gospel of Matthew, through the 17th verse, provide the passage of Scriptur
THE CHILD POINTS THE WAY -- 1991
When I was a child and continuing through adolescence and young adulthood, I had a recurring nightma
DOUBLE EXPOSURE -- 1991
One of the most lasting images in the New Testament is one from Saint Paul: O death, where is thy vi
ACCESSORIES BEFORE THE FACT -- 1991
On a rainy spring morning a woman who belonged to a church I pastored faced an unfortunate predicame
FINDING HOME ON A FAST TRACK -- 1991
Do you remember your first day of school? It is one of life's great separations.
FLYING INTO YOUR OWN WEAPONS -- 1991
One of the dominant characteristics of our time is preoccupation with speed.
FROM CYNICISM TO OPTIMISM -- 1991
For three years I belonged to a little circle of friends in Boston who took an annual winter pilgrim
AT EVENING TIME IT SHALL BE LIGHT -- 1991
One day as I sat transfixed to my television screen, except for occasional junkets to the bathroom,

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Numbers 21:4-9 Theme: I Will Pray For You Call To Worship
The Ministry of Encouragement -- Acts 4:32-37 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
So, What's New? -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1999
First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8Theme: Whoa!Call To Worship
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Down in the Dumps -- 1 Kings 19:1-8 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
God's Surprising Presence -- Genesis 28:10-17 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
In These Days -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: In those days, things were different from these days:
I Will Pass Over You -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Really Serious Business -- Mark 9:42-47 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Coming Forth -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Come forth, O love divine.
Yes and No -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Called By A New Name -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: God calls us out of our silence.
O Come, Blessed Light Of The World! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
LightsAdvent Devotions O Come, Blessed Light Of The World!
The Tongue Of A Teacher -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
On Being in Second Place -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Second Sunday In AdventFirst Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11Theme: "Here Is Your God"
Lost and Found -- Luke 15:1-24 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Firstborn -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Celebrating The Advent Wreath -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
BulletinCelebrating The Advent Wreath A Special Advent Service
You Shall Live -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Alternate), Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Christ and Criticism -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Covenant And Recompense -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Sent to bring good news to the oppressed,
Draw Near to God -- James 4:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Christmas Symbols And Songs -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsChristmas Symbols And Songs Program Participants:

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

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

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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