Comments on: Filing sermons

by: Nancy Kollhoff

Mon, 06 Jun 2005 01:42:40 +0000

I have an electronic folder called “sermon.” In that folder I have a folder for each previous year (i.e., “2004,” “2003,” “2002,” etc.) At the end of the year, I create a folder for that year, move all the sermons to that folder, and clear out the “sermon” folder for the next year.

I use both the calendar date and a lectionary designation to name the individual files. Today’s sermon (had I preached) would have been 050605aP3 indicating 2005 June 5, lectionary year A, Pentecost 3. I distinguish between Epiphany and Easter by using Ep and E, respectively.

I was on vacation a few weeks back, and was unable to find anyone to preach for the Sunday at the end of the week. I was going to be in church, but I had no sermon prep time. I went to my “sermon” folder, clicked on “2002″ and found the file with the “aP1″ designation. With a bit of reworking on Saturday night, it worked like a charm.

by: Paula

Sun, 05 Jun 2005 12:36:47 +0000

Filing sermons in a way that enables me to find a particular one is something I have struggled with and finally settled on this:
Scripture, sub scripture, sermon title

Thus, for June 5,05 my sermon is filed as: MT 9 Gen 18 Blessings
and they are all in one computer folder titled SERMONS. This way, if I am not following the lectionary but want to refer to a certain scripture or topic, I can find the sermon easily.

The paper copy is filed in a cabinet with the order of service stapled to the front page and is kept in date order. This provides a dated cross reference, and also enables those in the congregation to choose to “re-use” one of my old sermons when they are leading worship in my absence.

by: James Eaton

Sat, 04 Jun 2005 23:14:09 +0000

I simply file them alphabetically in a folder named for the year. That’s all the organization I need for sermons; there aren’t that many for any given year and since all the annual folders are in an enclosing folder, it’s easy to run backups. The real problem I’d like to solve is how to gather all the notes, emails, outlines and drafts of sermons. I’ve always used a file folder and tossed everything in and I haven’t quite figured out a system to replace that yet. I’d be interested in anyone who has one.

On a related issue, I’m wondering what format would be best for archival copies of sermons. I have a lot on older versions of former word processors. Now I’m wondering if I should make a PDF version of each one.

by: Bill LeMosy

Sat, 04 Jun 2005 22:08:30 +0000

I have a folder for each year’s worth of sermons. Then I title the file with the calendar date, the liturgical date, and the sermon title. For example, my sermon for tomorrow is called: 06-05-05 Ord 10 A Community of Faith, Not Merit. I have a parallel system for bulletins.