Login / Signup

Funeral

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
Nothing Separates Us From Jesus' Love -- Romans 8:35 -- 2006
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
New Life -- Mark 4:31-32 -- 2006
It is like a mustard seed, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,
The Light Of Our World -- Matthew 8:12 -- 2006
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world.
Inside The Gate -- John 10:9 -- 2006
I am the gate.
The Bible Can Be A Map -- John 14:6 -- 2006
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Are You A Carrot, An Egg, Or Coffee Grounds? -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 -- 2006
Listen, I will tell you a mystery!
We Are Waiting -- Psalm 130:5-6 -- 2006
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Don't Let The Clock Run Your Life -- Luke 12:25 -- 2006
And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?

Preaching

SermonStudio

A Place Has Been Prepared -- 2006
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
For Those Of Uncertain Faith/Expansive Promise Of God -- Isaiah 43:6-13 -- 2006
I will say to the north, "Give them up!" and to the south, "Do not hold them back." Bring my sons
The Resurrection! -- John 20:1-18 -- 2006
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and
For One Who Longed To Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- 2006
"The time is coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israe
Pronounced Innocent And Made Whole -- Romans 5:6-11 -- 2006
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
God's Faithfulness/Doing Battle With Grief -- Lamentations 3:1-24 -- 2006
I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.
Even Suffering Leads To Good -- Romans 8:15-28 -- 2006
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spiri
For Children/Joy -- Zechariah 8:3-5 -- 2006
This is what the Lord says, "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem.
Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love -- Romans 8:31-39 -- 2006
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
True Prosperity/Abundant Life -- Psalm 1 -- 2006
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners
Foolishness Of The Resurrection/Limits Of Rationality -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- 2006
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being s
Eternal Pleasure/Heaven -- Psalm 16:5-11 -- 2006
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
Salvation Message -- 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 -- 2006
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Warrior God/Battle Against Evil -- Psalm 21 -- 2006
O Lord, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!
In The Fullness Of Time -- Ephesians 1:5-10 -- 2006
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure
Messianic Psalm/From Pain To Victory -- Psalm 22:1-11, 14-24, 26-31 -- 2006
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Christlike Humility/Obedient Unto Death -- Philippians 2:5-8 -- 2006
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not
Good Shepherd/Death Disarmed/Heavenly Festival -- Psalm 23 -- 2006
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
The Reconciliation That Leads To Peace -- Colossians 1:15-20 -- 2006
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Simple Faith -- Psalm 27 -- 2006
The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear?
Rescued From The Wrath To Come -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- 2006
Paul, Silas and Timothy,
Need For God/Remembering God's Work -- Psalm 42 -- 2006
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
Fighting The Good Fight -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8 -- 2006
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.
The Power Of Remembrance -- Psalm 77 -- 2006
I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.
New Birth -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- 2006
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Good Fight -- 2 Timothy 4:6b-8 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful middle-aged manThe Good Fight
A Farmer's Dependence On God -- Matthew 6:19-34 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man whose wife died before him
Flock With A Future -- Psalm 23 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing the Lord as our shepherdFlock With A Future
Questions -- Psalm 13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman following a brief illnessQuestions
Can We Give Thanks? -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 -- Carl B. Rife, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a six-year-old boy who was ill from birth
Death, Our Teacher -- Psalm 90 -- Allen Puffenberger, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a beloved parishionerDeath, Our Teacher
The Backside Of The Mountain -- Matthew 13:24-30, John 14:1-7 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young person who died following a prolonged battle with cancer
God Can Change The Past -- Luke 24:1-9, Isaiah 42:1-4, Revelation 7:13-17, Psalm 22:1-8, 14-31 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing that God can turn the past around
Frayed Ends And Torn Seams -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man killed by a hit-and-run driver
It Is Well -- Matthew 11:28 -- R. Blaine Detrick, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an eleven-year-old boy who drownedIt Is Well
As A Child -- Isaiah 40 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a great church memberAs A Child
True Wisdom -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Proverbs 2:1-8, Psalm 111 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing true wisdomTrue Wisdom
What Was Broken Is Healed -- 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman killed by a drunk driver
Swallowed Up In Victory -- 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 -- Charles L. Koester, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a seventeen-year-old boy killed by a drunk driver
All Things Are Possible -- Mark 10:23-27 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a rich manAll Things Are Possible
The Room Named Heaven -- John 14:2-3 -- W. George Easson, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an adult with Down's syndromeThe Room Named Heaven
Rest For A Weary Soul -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For one who suffered a difficult lifeRest For A Weary Soul
A Lifetime Of One Day -- Romans 8:38-39 -- Victor A. Myers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a day-old, premature infant girlA Lifetime Of One Day
Going Home -- John 14:1-14 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful manGoing Home
God Suffers With Us -- Romans 14:8b -- Michael L. Sherer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For the untimely death of someone youngGod Suffers With Us
Hidden Treasure -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For someone who lived in fearHidden Treasure
Come To Me -- Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9 -- Dr. Frank Efird, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a fourteen-year-old cancer victim, shortly before her confirmation
The Dancing Farmer -- 2 Samuel 6:14 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a ninety-year-old who had led a full life
When The Boat Keeps Rocking -- Psalm 46 -- Robert A. Noblett, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a congregation experiencing several deaths in a brief period
Death Saddens Us -- John 3:16, Psalm 90 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly shut-inDeath Saddens Us

Worship

SermonStudio

Responsive Reading -- Psalm 102:11-13, 18-20 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Reader: My days are like an evening shadow; Response: I wither away like grass.
Responsive Reading -- Psalm 90:1-9, 12-14 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: Grass turns brown and withers from heat and lack of water, but it springs forth again when n
Responsive Reading -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Reader: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God,
Responsive Reading -- Matthew 18:3-5, 10 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: Jesus loved the little children. Jesus loves us. He willingly gave his life for us.
Remembering The Deceased -- 2006
There are many ways for us to remember the deceased at the funeral home, the church, and during the
The Graveside Committal -- 2006
Graveside committal services are kept very short in my tradition.
Music For The Service -- 2006
Music has tremendous power to touch human hearts and minds, and therefore, it is a very useful tool
Hymns -- 2006
Singing is healing.
Other Music For Congregational Singing -- 2006
There are also many contemporary pieces of music that are appropriate for congregational singing at
Choral Music -- 2006
If you are lucky enough to be able to arrange for a choir to sing here are some suggestions for anth
Soloist Music -- 2006
This music can be found at religious supply stores and online.
Call To Worship -- Matthew 11:28-30 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: And Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I wi
Helpful Websites -- 2006
Here are a few websites I found that have helpful resources for funerals.
Call To Worship -- Isaiah 40:1-8 -- 2006
At a time when Israel, God's people, had been through trauma and horror, God sent Isaiah the prophet
Call To Worship -- Isaiah 40:12-15 -- 2006
(The next few verses of that same chapter are also an excellent way to begin a service.
Call To Worship -- Isaiah 40:28-31 -- 2006
(Continuing in that same chapter, verses 28 through 31 are also excellent as a call to worship.)
Call To Worship -- Psalm 23 -- 2006
(I don't know that you can find better words to open a funeral service than those of the Psalm 23.
Call To Worship -- Romans 8:35-39 -- 2006
What can separate us from the love of Christ?
Call To Worship -- Luke 23:43 -- 2006
Leader: We come here today with breaking hearts;
Call To Worship -- Lamentations 3:23 -- 2006
Leader: We loved him,People: And now he is gone.
Call To Worship -- John 11 -- 2006
"I am the resurrection and the life," said Jesus to his friend, Martha, whose brother had died.
Call To Worship -- Matthew 11 -- 2006
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "Come to me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you res
Call To Worship -- Philippians 1:18b-23 -- 2006
In his letter to the Philippian church, the Apostle Paul writes about his experience of being in pri
Call To Worship -- Romans 8 -- 2006
Leader: We know that in everything God works for good of those who love him,
Call To Worship -- 2006
A story to open a worship service
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
Easter 3
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
29 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
28 – Worship Resources
32 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 5
27 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
30 – Sermons
110+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Bethany Peerbolte
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
For April 18, 2021:
  • Peace Be With You by Katy Stenta — Can we create solutions that are not just one-size-fits-all, but instead create a system of peace, as we work with the wounds and scars that are going to exist into the future?
  • Second Thoughts: From Salsa to Secretary by Mary Austin — We move toward the future with purposes we hardly see, rooted in our identity as God’s children.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect" by Frank Ramirez
"Reunite Refugee Children and Parents" by John Sumwalt
 

Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect
by Frank Ramirez
Psalm 4

When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. (v. 4)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Acts 3:12-19
Wayne Brouwer
Note: This installment was originally published for April 22, 2012.

During the time of the Reformation, John Foxe of England was impressed by the testimony of the early Christians. He gleaned the pages of early historical writings, and wrote a book that has become a classic in the church: Foxe's Book of Martyrs.

One story he tells is about an early church leader named Lawrence. Lawrence acted as a pastor for a church community. He also collected the offerings for the poor each week and that led to his death.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "Peace be with you. You are witnesses to the living Christ." Let us welcome the living Christ in our worship today.
Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we are frightened and anxious.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we aren't good witnesses to you.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, forgive us for all those things we think and do which we know are wrong.

SermonStudio

John A. Stroman
The theme of 1 John all along has been the love of God. The author now expands that love in the phrase, "the children of God," and for the first time he considers what it means to be the children of God. Earlier, he presented love within the fellowship and now he speaks of the meaning of God's love for us and its implications for the future. The consequences and proof of the love of God are evident in being called "the children of God." He is careful to point out that the love of God is a gift; we do not earn it.
Robert A. Noblett
Here's the scene. The disciples are huddled together and they have just heard Simon's account of experiencing the risen Christ when Cleopas and his companion enter and add word of their encounter with the risen Christ. Luke describes the scene like this: "While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' They were startled and terrified, and thought they were seeing a ghost" (v. 36).
James R. Wilson
First Lesson: Acts 3:12-19
Theme: Responding to God with repentance

Call To Worship
Leader: Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!
People: Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven!
Leader: Let us proclaim in all the world the glory due God's name!
People: Let us bring our offerings into the courts of Almighty God!
Leader: Let us come together and bring praise for our salvation in Christ!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

Special Occasion