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Worship

SermonStudio

O My Good Shepherd -- Psalm 23 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. O my Good Shepherd, O Lord of my soul, Keep me forever beneath your control.
Praise The Lord, Great God Above -- Psalm 22:24-30 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. Praise the Lord, great God above. Praise God for his deeds of love.
To You, O God, I Come -- Psalm 111 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1. To you, O God, I come in great thanksgiving.
God Our Creator (God Of All Glory) -- Psalm 29 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
1. God, our Creator, source of all strength,
Let Us Watch And Wait With Jesus -- Psalm 33:12-22 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
1. Let us watch and wait for Jesus, To fulfill his promise fair,
Creator God, We Praise Your Name -- Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
1. Creator God, we praise your name. How awesome are the works you do!
God Has Done Great Things -- Psalm 126 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
Refrain God has done great things for us, In which we all rejoice.
The Reign Of Christ Is Here -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
1. The reign of Christ is here! Good Christian friends, draw near.
Oh, To God Alone Be Glory -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, to God alone be glory, for his tender, loving care.
How Peaceful The Family With Whom The Lord Dwells -- Psalm 127 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
1. How peaceful the family with whom the Lord dwells. Security marks his control.

Drama

SermonStudio

Jesus And Lazarus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Jesus Martha Mary
Jesus And Blind Bartimaeus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 1 Bartimaeus Man 2 Man 3
Jesus' Parable Of The Good Samaritan -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Teacher (male) Jesus Robber Merchant
Jesus And The Mother Of James And John -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Mother James John Jesus
Jesus Calls Peter -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Andrew
Jesus Preaches In Nazareth -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 2 Man 1 Woman Jesus
Jesus Heals The Daughter Of Jairus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jairus Jesus Peter Woman 1
Jesus Heals A Woman In The Crowd -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Woman 1 Woman 2 Jairus
Jesus' Parable Of The Four Soils -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Soil 1 Soil 2
Jesus And John The Baptist -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Woman John Rabbi Pharisee

Sermon

SermonStudio

Reflections of a Healthy Church -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John W. Clarke -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2011
Ascension Day is a good time for the Christian community to assess where it has been and where it is
Expectations and a Cross -- Mark 8:31-38 -- John W. Clarke -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
These verses from Mark's gospel are a call to commitment, a call to sacrifice, and a call to give up
Love Actually -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2011
A young man visiting a very small town in Virginia struck up a conversation with an older gentleman
From the Courtroom to the Cross -- A King's Journey -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John W. Clarke -- Good Friday - B -- 2011
John records more details of the crucial events of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus than any other
Cleaning the Temple -- Cleansing Our Lives -- John 2:13-22 -- John W. Clarke -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Having heard the gospel this morning let me introduce a word from Paul when he said to the church in
Should We Doubt Thomas? -- John 20:19-31 -- John W. Clarke -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
John's gospel has traced the development of unbelief, which culminated in Jesus' enemies crucifying
The Gardens of Life -- John 20:1-18 -- John W. Clarke -- Easter Day - B -- 2011
I look forward to spring and I guess that we all do especially when we have had a hard winter.
What Is the Point? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John W. Clarke -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
What is the purpose of the church? Why was it established?
The One that Got Away -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2011
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good
A Time Between Time -- John 17:6-19 -- John W. Clarke -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Today is the last in the season of Eastertide.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Wisdom From Proverbs -- 3 -- Proverbs 9:10 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
A wise person watches what he or she says.
Wisdom From Proverbs -- 1 -- Proverbs 9:10a -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is awake, loving, and caring.
Palm Sunday -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Let us praise Jesus, our Savior. Scripture: Luke 19:36-40
God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
The Bible Can Be A Map -- John 14:6 -- 2006
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand -- 2 -- John 6:5-13 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We are partners with God. Scripture: John 6:5-13
Nothing Separates Us From Jesus' Love -- Romans 8:35 -- 2006
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Labor Day -- Proverbs 6:6-8 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
When we work or play, we do it in a way that pleases Jesus.
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
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

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Resurrection Of Our Lord / Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord / Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Faith gives us power for living.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day At its deepest level, God's judgment is all about love.
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Faith always involves an element of risk.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Thanksgiving is not about entitlement.
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day

Stories

SermonStudio

Jesus Christ, Superstar -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
"Jesus Christ, Superstar" is about as good a description as we can come up with as we read the text.
Peace In The Midst Of The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
Suppose for a few minutes that you are one of them.
Flattening Fences -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2008
In 1983, in the tiny, rural town of Liberty Hill, South Carolina, this true story took place.1 Liber
Sex, Sex, And More Sex -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
Depending on who happened to publish your edition of the Bible, the heading on the page that contain
Ephphatha ... Be Opened -- Mark 7:24-37 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
Our text introduces us to a remarkable woman. She is courageous. She is clever. She is cool.
A New Year's Resolution -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
Good instructions.
The Day God Voted -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Are you ready to vote? These days it seems as if that were a perpetual question.
Being A Christian "Survivor" -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
Survivor -- after all these years on television, you are familiar with the concept -- castawa
Welcoming Jesus -- Mark 9:30-37 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Kids -- munchkins -- rug rats -- ragamuffins -- you have to love them. Jesus obviously did.
Beating Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
Once upon a time, in the dim and distant past, a little Jewish child asked, "Mommy, Daddy, why do pe

Prayer

SermonStudio

Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Savior, you reveal yourself in the most surprising ways.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, God, for open doors.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator, we understand the role that winter plays in the growth cycle.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Lord and Creator, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal Spirit, sometimes it is nearly impossible to believe that you are interested in each one of
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we were children, God, time passed so slowly.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, God, the problems confronting us seem insurmountable.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We are not always sure how to pray, Eternal Spirit.
Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, our God, we try to imagine what our world would be like if your Son had never come.
Sundays after Epiphany -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, God our Sustainer, for the prayer ministry of our church.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me.
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Psalm 14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." -- Psalm 14:1a
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overfl
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
Advent 1 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. -- Psalm 25:1
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Psalm 79:1-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us.
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

Your Glory -- Matthew 6:13b -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
Does prayer really work?
Martin Luther And The Beginning Of The Reformation -- David J. Monge -- 1993
Luther's Early Years
The Word Of God As Law And Gospel -- David J. Monge -- 1993
The Law Kills, The Gospel Gives Life
Justification By Faith -- David J. Monge -- 1993
"Uncertainty is the most miserable thing in the world."
The Theology Of The Cross -- David J. Monge -- 1993
"A theologian of glory calls evil good and good evil.
What Is The Church? -- David J. Monge -- 1993
The Word Of God
Fiat Iustitia (Let There Be Justice) -- David J. Monge -- 1993
The Struggle For Human Righteousness
What Difference Does It Make? -- David J. Monge -- 1993
The stories narrated by the Bible are thousands of years old.
Who Cares About Theology? -- David J. Monge -- 1993
Theology Is The Church's Responsibility

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Baldness -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
God made a few perfect heads, the rest he covered with hair.
Banking -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A package of $100 bills was missing at the bank. The staff
Banquets -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
What is a banquet? It is an affair where persons all dressed-
Baptism -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The gambler had been converted in a revival meeting and was
Baptists -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Some years ago I was speaking in Columbia, South Carolina, at
Bible -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The Sunday school teacher had just finished a detailed account
Bragging -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Bragging may not bring happiness, but did you ever see a man,
Bumper Stickers -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
While there are many bumper stickers appearing today which are
Bureaucracy -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Leo Aikman reports that when the Lord told Moses he was to
Camel -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Three camels tried to get on board Noah's Ark. He stopped them

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

Jesus And Family Life -- Matthew 19:14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
Mama, just look at me one minute as though you really saw me ...
Would Jesus Allow Divorce Today? -- Matthew 6:14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
The experience of falling in love probably must have as one of its characteristics the illusion t
What About Homosexuality? -- Luke 6:21b -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
Do good and stop talking. -- Motto of the Waldensians in a small church in Italy
Is There Life After We Die? -- John 6:47 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
To live is to risk dying. I'm ready for it.
No Orphans -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
I am a child of God. You are a child of God. That's what "Our Father" means.
The Door Of Perception -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
Jesus, gazing into the heart of reality, prayed, "Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy n
Who's In Charge? -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
The night is dark. I am on my knees praying.
In The School Of Babylon -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
Some time ago I listened to Dr. Van B. Dunn speaking to a group of ministers at Duke University.
God Provides Day By Day -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
Jesus taught us to pray: "Give us this day our daily bread." And he does give it.
Can I Ever Be Forgiven? -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
The call came out of the darkness at three o'clock in the morning.

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

Some to honor and some to dishonor -- 2 Timothy 2:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Some to honor and some to dishonor
Sour grapes -- Ezekiel 18:2 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Sour grapes Location: Ezekiel 18:2
Spare the rod and spoil the child -- Proverbs 13:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Spare the rod and spoil the child
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak -- Matthew 26:41 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
Stick out your tongue -- Isaiah 57:4 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Stick out your tongue Location: Isaiah 57:4 (NRSV)
Stiffnecked -- Acts 7:51 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Stiffnecked Location: Acts 7:51
A still small voice -- 1 Kings 19:11-12 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A still small voice Location: 1 Kings 19:11-12
The straight and narrow -- Matthew 7:13-14 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The straight and narrow Location: Matthew 7:13-14
Strain at a gnat and swallow a camel -- Matthew 23:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Strain at a gnat and swallow a camel
A stumbling block -- Ezekiel 3:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A stumbling block Location: Ezekiel 3:20

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...
Easter 2
30+ – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
26 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
27 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
For April 12, 2026:

StoryShare

Keith Wagner
Contents
"Spiritually Speaking" by Keith Wagner
"Living With More Power" by Keith Wagner


Spiritually Speaking
by Keith Wagner
Psalm 16
Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"When through Fiery Trials" by Alex Gondola
"Tracks" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Thomas had never seen his friends so excited. Peter's eyes were shining, and he could hardly contain his impatience. John was always quieter than Peter, but even he seemed full of barely suppressed eagerness. They were both tugging at Thomas, while at the same time dancing round him.

Thomas reluctantly agreed to go to the cave with them, although he continued to think they were mad. "If there was nothing there last week, how can it have changed now?" he kept asking.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
This psalm is a song of confidence and trust, and the first-century church found in it a prophecy of the Resurrection. Peter, in his Pentecost sermon, quotes verses 8-11 (Acts 2:25-28), applying them to the risen Lord. Thus, its designation as the responsorial psalm for Easter 2.

The psalm falls easily into three divisions: verses 1-4, there is no good apart from God; 5-8, the Lord is my portion and my counselor; and 9-11, there is joy and life with God.
John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E)
According to God's plan and David's prophecy, Jesus was raised from the dead. This pericope is a part of Peter's Pentecost sermon. It is a sample of the early church's preaching, as Luke understood it, summarized in the crucifixion, resurrection, and fulfillment of prophecy. Peter emphasizes that what happened to Jesus was according to God's plan. He quotes Psalm 16 as a prophecy by David of the resurrection which was fulfilled. The disciples are witnesses to the fulfillment because of their encounters with the risen Lord.
Tony S. Everett
So, here we are just over one week after Easter Sunday. Vigils are finished. Sunrise services are over. Dishes from the youth breakfast have been washed and put away. Brass and tympani fanfares have concluded. Flowers on the cross have begun to wilt and blow away. Fewer pews are filled.
Richard L. Sheffield
What the disciples of Jesus reported to their fellow disciple Thomas they had seen seemed unbelievable. And Thomas didn't believe it! They said they saw Jesus alive. Well, Thomas saw him alive until late the previous Friday afternoon when Thomas saw him dead. It was now Sunday afternoon -- and to what they said they saw, Thomas' response was, "Seeing is believing," and until I see something different from what I have already seen, I will not believe a word of what you say.
Albert G. Butzer, III
Several years ago the Episcopal Church launched a creative and clever advertising campaign. One of their ads pictured a young man with a frustrated look on his face because someone had put a heavy piece of tape across his mouth. His mouth had been taped shut; he was unable to speak. The caption, which accompanied the picture, said this: "The problem with churches that have all of the answers is that you can't ask questions."
Harry N. Huxhold
The United States of America has earned the reputation of being the most violent culture in the world. That really is an oxymoron. How can one speak of culture as being violent? Yet the problem of violence is so widespread in our nation that Gavin De Becker, an authority on violence, notes that we are a nation with more firearms than adults, and twenty thousand guns enter our commerce every day. His book, The Gift of Fear, is about our fear which furnishes us survival signals to protect us from violence. We should not be shocked that anyone is capable of violence.
Bill Mosley
The great luxury liner was on fire, but no one knew it. Deep in the hold, near the engine room, hundreds of tons of coal were stored. Coal--powered ships used to carry the coal in a watered--down state. But this ship was new, and very big; bigger than any ship ever built, or had ever sailed. So even though the coal was watered for safety, the enormous amount meant that there were dry spots. A fire smoldered undiscovered deep in the coal supply, and when it was discovered, a fire--fighting crew was sent to quench it. They worked for days, even weeks, and couldn't put it out.
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Bless our God who has given us counsel.
Come to worship with exulting heart and rejoicing spirit.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
I Danced In The Morning (UM261, PH 302)
Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! (CBH 272)
Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee (NCH507)
We Live By Faith And Not By Sight (NCH256, PH398)
O Sons And Daughters, Let Us Sing (NCH244, PH116, 117)
Breathe On Me, Breath Of God (CBH356, UM420, PH316)
These Things Did Thomas Count (NCH284)
When In The Night I Meditate (PH165)

Anthems
From the Messiah: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, G. F. Handel
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Acts 2:32)
 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.


Collect
 We lift up our eyes to you Lord, after the despair of the cross. We follow the path from the empty tomb to see you risen and walking among us! We praise your name in victory! Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Fresh air is precisely what many people feel they never get in church. Many recall the experiences of former times when the air was stodgy and stuffy. In some communities of faith the air is still a bit stifling, and so when invited to worship, the response is often, "Been there. Done that."

Yet our lessons are full of the freshness of spring, bringing life and vigor to what had been dormant, as though frozen in winter and refusing to thaw.

Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Wayne Brouwer
One of my good friends died last year. He had reached a good age and was mostly ready to go. In fact, he once told me he had more lives than the proverbial cat's nine. On too many occasions, because of cancer and accidents and blood diseases, doctors had written him off. Yet, like the Energizer bunny, he kept going and going and going....

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. This morning we read from the Bible about a special meeting between Jesus, who had been resurrected a week earlier, and his disciples. All of the disciples believed the resurrection except Thomas, who had not been in the room when Jesus met with the disciples a week earlier. Thomas had heard about it but didn't believe. He said that unless he saw for himself the wounds in the hands and side of Jesus, he would not believe.
Good morning, boys and girls. What does this sign mean? (Let them answer.) It is a question mark. When you see it that means someone is asking a question. Sometimes it means that someone doesn't believe what you are saying. That means the person is doubting you. It's a very common thing to have doubts about something. If one of you told me that you don't like to play with toys, I'd say, "I'm not so sure about that. I doubt it. I'll bet you really like to play with toys." If one of you told me that you didn't like candy, I would say, "I'm not so sure about that. I doubt it.

Special Occasion

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