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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) Theme: Have Your Own Way Instead
Do Overs / Blind Man's Bluff / So What's That Like? -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 Theme: Do Overs
Theme: The Harder They Fall -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: The Mighty Have Fallen. Are We Next? -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 117) One:
Theme: What's Your Rush? -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: I Will Dance -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: The Forever King -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Revelation 21:1-2, 22)
Theme: A Tangled Web -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Murder Will Out Or The Butler Did Not Do It -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Why Couldn't It Have Been Me? -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship

Drama

SermonStudio

The Sower -- Matthew 13:1-23 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of unfruitfulness for a narrator and five solo voices (Solo 3 doubles as Isaiah and Solo 5
The Great Banquet Feast -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of God's Kingdom for a Narrator, the Master, and four solo voices.
The Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of Christian love and concern for a narrator, Jesus, a Lawyer, and four solo voices.
The Unjust Steward -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of honesty and love for God, for a narrator, a rich man, an accountant, and three solo voi
The Wedding Feast -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of the Kingdom of heaven for a narrator, a king, and three solo voices (or a narrator and
The Unforgiving Servant -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of forgiveness for a Narrator, Jesus, and four solo voices who double as Peter, the Lord,
The Prodigal Son or The Merciful Father -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of mercy and forgiveness for a Narrator, Jesus, the youngest son, the Father, and four sol
The Rich Man and Lazarus -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of final separation for Jesus and four solo voices.
The Ten Virgins -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of the Kingdom of heaven for a narrator, Jesus, and four solo voices.
The Talents -- Matthew 25: 14-30 -- Robert A. Lehmann -- 1977
A parable of stewardship for a narrator and four solo voices.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Show Me What's Real -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Have you ever found yourself in a position or place where you would rather not be?
Living On The Edge -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
The long journey was finally nearing its conclusion.
Hearts On Fire -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Writer, Anne Lamott, tells of her struggle in getting her teenage son, Sam, to go to church with her
The Victory Is Ours -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
All Saints provides an opportunity to remember and give thanks for all the believers who have lived
Forward March -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
It was truly a day of new beginnings as the people prepared to make the long-anticipated entry into
A Question Of Loyalty -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Lookout Mountain is a popular tourist destination located in the northwest corner of Georgia, just s
Reversal And Victory -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
"When God is going to do something wonderful," author Anne Lamott claims, "God always starts with a
A Vision Of Hope -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Difficult times not only try a person's soul but frequently force a person to step up to a new chall
Not All Of This Is Me -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
It was certainly a treat for four-year-old Tara to go shopping with her grandfather one day at the m
Dreaming Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Even Children Can Be Good Samaritans -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to be good Samaritans.
Silence -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to use silence.
Easter Is Colorful -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To remind the children that life is beautiful with Jesus and because of Jesus.
Seed Time -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To see death as a time of new life.
The Light Of The World -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show how our lives need to reflect what we believe.
Let Your Light Shine -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to share.
The Do-It-Yourself Kit -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To encourage children to use their God-given powers.
The Set Face -- Luke 9:51-56 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
A wise old archer, training two young men to shoot arrows that would hit the target, asked the first
The Misdirected Tears -- Luke 23:26-31 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
All of us cry sometimes. Jesus wept over Jerusalem, his people.
The Rejected Drug -- Matthew 27:32-37 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 1993
A ten-year-old once said, "When you're put here on earth, it's for a reason.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Becoming A Tricky Old Dog -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is never too late for us to grow and change.
How Vulgar Can We Be? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What are the limits of acceptable vulgarity for the Christian?
When Christianity Becomes A Waste Of Time -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Good Christian stewardship demands an efficient use of our time and talents.
When Worlds Collide: Sacred And Secular -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How does our faith relate to the rest of our lives, including the interaction
Imagine That! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Allow some exciting creativity into your faith world.
You Thought It Couldn't Get Any Worse -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How to deal with depression.
Some Things You Don't Want To Know -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Knowledge brings responsibility.
Lions And Cows Dining Together: Seeing Is Believing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We must have a vision that peace is realistically attainable.
Analysis Of A Saloon -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do churches and taverns offer the same services, and does our church do a bett
Get Over It! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We have to learn how to really forgive and accept forgiveness.

Stories

SermonStudio

Cuts That Heal -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Sally was excited to see her uncle again.
Growing Up - It's A Scary Thought -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
My parents sacrificed so that my sister and I could go to college.
"Jesus Is Not In A Shed, Mom!" -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
I - along with other parents around the world - have learned so much about faith from the casual com
Bitterness Will Get You Nowhere -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Some people cannot communicate unless they are complaining. It's irritating, isn't it?
Extraordinary Ordinary Things -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Catchy quotes help us envision things that are hard to understand.
Will It Bear Fruit? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Melinda's heart ached. Her seventeen-year-old daughter had just gotten her nose pierced.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Acceptance
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Accountability
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Alcohol
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Problems "The man who has no problems is out of the game." (Elbert Hubbard)

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

A Christmas Journey: A Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols -- Rod Tkach -- 2006
The Missing Jesus
A Christmas Journey: A Christmas Service of Candles and Carols -- Rod Tkach -- 2006
The Christmas Cross
Advent 1 -- Mark 13:24-37 -- William W. Helland -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Mark 13:24-37
Advent 2 -- Mark 1:1-8 -- William W. Helland -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Mark 1:1-8
Advent 3 -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- William W. Helland -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
John 1:6-8, 19-28 Who are you?
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:26-38 -- William W. Helland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Luke 1:26-38
The Baptism Of Our Lord / Epiphany 1 -- Mark 1:4-11 -- William W. Helland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Mark 1:4-11
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- John 18:33-37 -- William W. Helland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
John 18:33-37
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- William W. Helland -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
John 20:19-31
Easter 3 -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- William W. Helland -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Luke 24:36b-48

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

Faith Development

Bible Study

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

Church Growth

Sacrament

Healing

Death

Funeral

Memorial

Observance

Christian

African-American History

Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

Men's Day

Church Leaders

Mother's Day

Gathering Prayer

Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

Fellowship

Christian Faith

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 9 (OT 14, Pent 6)
29 – Sermons
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30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 10 (OT 15, Pent 7)
28 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
23 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 (OT 16, Pent 8)
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Christopher Keating
For July 5, 2026:

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Keith Wagner
Contents
"Jesus And Religious Know-It-Alls" by David O. Bales
"Pauls’ Innards" by David O. Bales
"A Little Bit of Heaven" by Keith Wagner
"A Glimpse of Hope" by Keith Wagner

Jesus And Religious Know-It-Alls
by David O. Bales
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Frank Ramirez
Scott Dalgarno
There are many facets to the life we have in Christ, but one of the most important is joy. Joy is intrinsically connected with the Christian experience. However, many of us miss out on it. We may have the reverence part, the seeking-after-justice part, or even the devotion part, but many of us miss out on joy. Frank Ramirez explores the notion of play in worship and the joy it can bring with it in "Holy Games." Scott Dalgarno illustrates the joy we can experience knowing we're following the path and vocation God has set out for us in, "What Can Brown Do for You?"

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (v. 28)

Good morning girls and boys,

Do you ever get tired? So tired that you just want to lay down and take a nap? (children share) A lot of things in life can wear us out -- like too many chores, too much playing sports, too much homework, going on a long, boring trip? Sometimes people even get tired in church.

People get tired physically. People also get tired spiritually. Here's why:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
“Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” This week, we have the story of Abraham’s servant going “back home” to find a wife for his boss’ son juxtaposed with Jesus’ words about the criticism he and John the Baptist got for living in two diametrically opposed lifestyles. Jesus is, in effect, saying: “What do you expect? You went out to the wilderness to see John, who preached fear and the punishment sinners deserve, and wound up calling him a madman. You come to see me, and then criticize me for ministering to the outcasts, for eating and drinking like any normal person.
William H. Shepherd
One of the central concepts of the Bible is the "covenant." A covenant is a contract-plus. Like a contract, a covenant is an agreement between two parties to behave in a certain way: I'll do this, and you will do that. Unlike a contract, however, the two parties are not necessarily equals; a king, for example, could enter into a covenant with his people, while in no way ceding power to the people. Further, you can't just walk away from a covenant. A contract, sure -- just pay the penalties for breaking the agreement and you're off the hook.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." In our worship today let us consider our own burdens and leave then behind at the feet of Jesus.


Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my problems.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I cling onto my difficulties.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, help me to let go of all my burdens.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

SermonStudio

Elizabeth Achtemeier
God has promised Abraham that he will be the forebear of many descendants. To begin to fulfill that promise, God has granted the aged Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac. That is the context of this story that must never be forgotten.
Carlos Wilton
(See Proper 17/Pentecost 15/Ordinary Time 22, Cycle B, for an alternative approach, emphasizing vv. 1-2 and 6-9.)
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Genesis 24:34--38, 42--49, 58--67 (C)
In his old age, Abraham sends his trusted servant back from the land of his origin to secure a wife for his son, Isaac, from his own people. He discovers Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel, who was Abraham's brother. When Isaac lays eyes on her, he is immediately smitten with love. The story assumes that all these events are due to divine design.

Lesson 1: Zechariah 9:9--10 (RC); Zechariah 9:9--12 (E, L)
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was teaching about the kind of authority he has. We need authority in our context, because to Jesus' mind we are a very confused, wayward generation. There was nothing to compare the people of his time to, nothing to compare us to.1 They and we are wayward, hardened, confused people. Inappropriate behavior seemed to be the order of the day in Jesus' view. The people of Israel were like children who were playing, but could get none of the other children to celebrate, even when they played music.
Stan Purdum
The popular notion in our society is that the best way to choose a marriage partner is to wait until we "fall in love" with someone. By that, we usually mean that we wait for some kind of feeling, some emotional response to a person of the opposite sex that convinces us that we can never be truly happy again unless we can spend the future with that person. And often the feeling we experience is one of ecstatic joy and excitement.
Kristin Borsgard Wee
Early one morning several years ago, I was having coffee with a friend in her kitchen. Her youngest daughter came into the kitchen, dragging her favorite ragged blanket behind her. She looked at her mother with her big eyes and said, "Mommy, why did you marry daddy?" (I was surprised at such a serious question first thing in the morning!) My friend said, "Because I love him." The child's face broke into a smile, and she looked fondly at her blanket. "I love my blanket," she said. Her mother pulled her up into her lap, hugged her, and said, "I know you love your blanket.
William G. Carter
In a certain church, a woman was leading the congregation in the prayer of confession. She called the people to confess, reminding them of the sin within their hearts, and then all joined in reading the prayer of confession. She paused for the silent confession, and she kept pausing for a good long while. So long, in fact, that the people began to rustle as they waited for the next part of the service.
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Hear the invitation of Jesus: "Come to me, all those whose work is hard, whose load is heavy; and I will give you relief. Bend your necks to my yoke, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble-hearted; and your souls will find relief. For my yoke is good to bear, my load is light."

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (LBW499, NCH459, PH356, CBH521, UM400)
Camina, Pueblo de Dios (Go Forth, O People Of God) (NCH614, UM305)
Make Me A Captive, Lord (CBH539, UM421, PH378)
How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord (CBH54, PH419)
There Is A Place Of Quiet Rest (CBH5, UM472, PH527)
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say (NCH489, CBH493)
There Is A Balm In Gilead (NCH553, CBH627, UM375, PH394)
Just As I Am (CBH516, UM357, PH370)

Anthems
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; you love righteousness and hate wickedness.


Collect
 Lord, in our distress you found us and brought us together as your family in Christ. We praise you for your loving kindness. Great is your faithfulness. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

Special Occasion

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