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Arley K. Fadness

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Arley K. Fadness is a retired ELCA pastor who has served numerous Lutheran parishes in South Dakota and Minnesota. He is currently a member of Custer Lutheran Fellowship in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Pastor Fadness is a congregational consultant who coaches churches in visioning processes, and he also conducts leadership retreats and workshops on “Finding Your True Flair.” A graduate of Augustana College, Luther Theological Seminary, and McCormick Theological Seminary, Fadness is the author of several CSS titles, including Blueprints For Advent and Christmas, Blueprints for Lent, Six Spiritual Needs in America Today, Holy Moses, Hey Joseph!, and Where’s Noah? He is also a contributing author to Sermons on the First Readings (Series I, Cycle A).
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Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Together We Love -- John 17:20-26 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
“I ask...that they may be one, as we are one...so that the world may know that you have
Forever Bread -- John 6:25-35 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life.
Heavenly Help Is On The Way! -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Arley K. Fadness -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2019
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you foreve
'I'm Hungry' -- Jesus -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Arley K. Fadness -- New Year's Day - C -- 2019
“...Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of
Hello, Holy Spirit Of Truth -- John 16:12-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2019
“When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth...”
Wild Man Healed -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2019
So he went his way, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.
Discovering Jesus: Eee - pif - on - eee -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2019
“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and
Staying Focused -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2019
“When the days drew near for [Jesus] to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
You Are the Treasure -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Arley K. Fadness -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2019
“You are my Son, The Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (v. 22)
Green Is For Going -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2019
“Go on your way, see I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.”
Mercy, Mercy -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2019
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man....He said, 'the one who sh
A Surprising First Sign! -- John 2:1-11 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
“Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory...”
M & M Sisters -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
“...there is need of only one thing.
A Surprising First Sign! -- John 2:1-11 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
“Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory...”
"Talk to Me" —God -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
“Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” (v. 1b)
Purpose -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (v. 21b)
Coloring a Story -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
“all spoke well of him....they were filled with rage.” (vs. 22, 28)
Toys And More Toys -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
“Take care!
No Fish? Go Fish... -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2019
“...from now on you will be catching people.” (v. 10b)
Things I Love the Most -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2019
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”(v. 34)
Love Your Enemies -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you....” (v. 27)
Fire! -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
“Jesus said, ‘I came to bring fire to the earth,’...” (v. 49a)
Time Out! -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2019
“And ought not this woman….be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?”
Ah Ha, I Get It! -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Arley K. Fadness -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
“This is my Son, my chosen: listen to him!” (V. 35b)
The True Place Of Honor (Chanticleer Be Gone!) -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.”

Drama

SermonStudio

A Prince Is Born In Egypt -- Exodus 1, Exodus 2:1-10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2007
Lent 1 Drama Characters Narrator
The Call To Moses -- Exodus 2:11--4:17 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2007
Midweek Lent 2 DramaCharacters Narrator Moses
Deliverance! -- Exodus 7-12 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2007
Midweek Lent 3 DramaCharacters Paulo (the producer)
Wilderness Wanderings (Photos In The Desert) -- Exodus 15-16 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2007
Midweek Lent 4 DramaCharacters Photographer Moses
The Ten Commandments (Ten Friends Of The Covenant) -- Exodus 19:9-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2007
Midweek Lent 5 DramaCharacters Voice Of God (offstage)
News From The Desert Times (The Golden Calf Incident) -- Exodus 32 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2007
Midweek Lent 6 DramaCharacters
Shalom Unravels -- Genesis 37:1-36 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2005
CharactersNarratorBilhahJoseph (teenager)
I'm Alive -- John 20:1-18 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2005
On February 27, 1991, Ruth Dillow was at her home in Chute, Kansas, when she received the news from
Jesus, Our Shalom -- Ephesians 2:13-14 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2005
In a few moments through word and song, we re-live Jesus' last six hours.
Sample Bulletin For Lent -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2005
Lenten Vespers"Hey Joseph!"Prelude
Sample Bulletin For Maundy Thursday -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2005
Lord's Supper --Living TableauPrelude"Sweet Hour Of Prayer"
Jesus, Bread Of Life -- John 6:35, 41, 48, 50, 51, 58 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2005
"I am the Bread of Life" -- JesusThere it sits.Golden brown. Unsliced.
Joseph And Mary In The Garden -- John 20:1-18 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 2005
CharactersJoseph Of ArimatheaMary Magdalene

Sermon

SermonStudio

Veni, Spiritus Sanctus, Veni -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Arley K. Fadness -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2009
On this Pentecost Sunday, as we celebrate the birthday of the church, I want to teach you a simple a
Holy, Holy, Holy -- John 16:12-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2009
On this festival, The Holy Trinity, we celebrate one of the great treasures and mysteries of the chu
Amazing Faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Twice in Jesus' ministry, Jesus is flabbergasted.
Sit Up And Speak! -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
The telephone rang in my office one day, and a mother, a member of my parish, blurted out, "Oh, past
The Forgiven Love A Lot! -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
One day it became obvious that I needed to tell my two daughters, Soon Ah and Rebekah, this story --
Liberating The Possessed -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
He is a tortured man! His hair is tossed and tousled.
Appointed And Sent! -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2009
The wheat harvest was glorious that year on our farm in South Dakota.
Checked The Ditch Lately? -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2009
We were driving west on Highway 16 from Custer to Newcastle, Wyoming, when Pam and I spotted this ma
Sister Act(s) -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2009
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan.
Keeping The Main Thing The Main Thing -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2009
They were 5,000 feet in the air in a two-seat Cessna when suddenly the pilot slumped over.
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.
An Incredible Encounter -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Jacob sends presents to brother Esau in the hope of finding favor with him.
Shalom Shattered -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
It's art class.
Can You Hear Me Now? -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
A cell phone commercial asks, "Can you hear me now?" The assumption is that one can hear any place,
Bloody Lintels -- Broken Bread -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Two Russian surgeons and an anesthetist took turns lying on an operating table beside a critically-i
Grace For A Complaining People -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
Bob Hope died in 2003 at age 100.
Free Living Water For All -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
Travelers near the Badlands of South Dakota were surprised and intrigued in 1936 to see a sign which
Ten Friends Drive Us To The Promise -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
"One day last spring, something memorable happened at Carleton University (in Ottawa, Ontario, Canad
A Deliverer Is Born -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
The River Nile is the longest river in the world, snaking 4,160 miles from Burundi, Africa, to the M
Forgiveness And Reconciliation At Last! -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
It happened to a rural Lake County, South Dakota, Lutheran church in August of 2000.
Saved (Again)! -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
Lawrence Henry was 88 years of age when he shared with his family the only sermon he ever preached.
The Need to Believe that Life Is Meaningful and Has Purpose -- Luke 18:18-30 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
The Need for a Sense of Community and Deeper Relationships -- John 15:13-17 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
The Need to Be Appreciated and Respected -- Mark 1:10-11 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
The Need to Be Listened to and Heard -- Luke 8:8b -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Epiphany 2 (OT 2)
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 (OT 3)
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A piece of paper for each child. The pieces of paper should be the size of typing paper or larger.

* * *

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For January 19, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Isaiah 62:1-5
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 62:1-5
The proclamation of Isaiah reminds the people of Israel that they are not forsaken. They are, in fact, blessed by God. God celebrates them, vindicates them, renews and restores them. What joy there must be in this prophecy. Can you imagine being seen as forsaken and abandoned for centuries and knowing yet, that God is going to free you, vindicate you, bless you, and proclaim to the world that you are God’s beloved?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord. (vv. 5-6)

It happened twenty years ago a few days after the death of Eli, our beloved West Highland Terrier. We were missing him fiercely as we were putting away dog toys and discovering hidden chewy bones. My wife, Jo, remembers:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

 At the wedding at Cana in Galilee, Jesus provided best quality wine for all the guests. We are his guests at his table today and he provides best quality wine for us. In our worship today let us enjoy all that Jesus provides for us.

Invitation to Confession:

 Jesus, sometimes we reject your wine.
Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we fail to appreciate the quality of all that you give us.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
If we wanted to give a name to this psalm, we might call it "A Song of Exuberant Praise." The psalmist is unrestrained in voicing his praise to God. And the list of things for which God is praised is impressively exhaustive. Within the scope of five short verses, God is praised for steadfastness, faithfulness, righteousness, judgment, and salvation. These divine qualities affect not only human existence but also extend to the heavens, clouds, mountains, the great deep, and even animals.

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
With Jesus, wonders never cease.

Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 62:1-5
So Shall Your God Rejoice Over You
Tom M. Garrison
It had been a standard practice, in years past, that the most popular month for weddings was June. The idea of someone being a June bride was without doubt not just normal, but expected. As our society has moved in so many directions, it has become the case that June no longer holds the fascination as it once did. We do know that weddings are always the source of much anticipation and, at times, problems.

Harry N. Huxhold
David Donald's biography of Abraham Lincoln is a special effort to help us feel along with Mr. Lincoln the thoughts of his heart and mind as he aspired to the presidency. Mr. Lincoln had an earnest desire to be of special service to the nation he knew was in deep trouble. One senses the compassion he had for all the people. He also recognized that the people could survive only as one nation. No one knew better than he that not everyone would agree with his purpose and will in leading the people.
Steven E. Albertin
The miracle that Jesus performed at the wedding at Cana in today's Gospel is recalled in the prayer that begins the Rite of Marriage in the Lutheran Book of Worship:

Eternal God, our creator and redeemer, as you gladdened the wedding at Cana in Galilee by the presence of your Son, so by his presence now bring your joy to this wedding. Look in favor upon __________ and __________ and grant that they, rejoicing in all your gifts, may at length celebrate with Christ the marriage feast which has no end. Amen.

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