Login / Signup

SermonStudio

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

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

Preaching

SermonStudio

Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany / Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
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.

Worship Service

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...
Proper 11 (OT 16, Pent 8)
28 – Sermons
110+ – Illustrations / Stories
21 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
23 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 (OT 17, Pent 9)
28 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
23 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
22 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 13 (OT 18, Pent 10)
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
24 – 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

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For July 26, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
We may sometimes feel as though we are too inferior and too insignificant to be of any use to God. But God can make the tiniest of seeds grow into a huge bush. In our worship today let us offer to God all that we can and ask him to use us as yeast to enable his kingdom to grow.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm afraid of being too presumptuous or too proud.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I feel too small to be noticed by you.
Christ, have mercy.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Craig Kelly
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Never Again Separate" by David O. Bales
"Switching Treasures" by Craig Kelly


What's Up This Week
Hospital chaplains offer a different perspective on what it means to witness for Christ in desperate times. "Never Again Separate" shows us how reconciliation can help heal years of anger. "Switching Treasures" reminds us that there are things in life worth pursuing no matter what the cost -- but we have to be careful not to be dazzled by things that only look attractive on the surface.

C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Jerry Springer" by C. David McKirachan
"Circumstantial Evidence" by C. David McKirachan
"People and Sheep" by Larry Winebrenner
"Learning to Pray" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Wall" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


Jerry Springer
by C. David McKirachan
Genesis 29:15-28

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
This Psalm is difficult to preach in our modern culture, because of the central section (vv. 3-4) which addresses devout men exclusively, and which celebrates the gifts of a fertile wife and many children as a blessing from God. That portion of this psalm may preach in Amish country, but in any other part of the twenty-first-century Christian church, its message seems quaint at best and archaic at worst. In a world threatened by overpopulation, there are major ethical questions connected with the image of a large crop of children springing up "like olive shoots around your table."
James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Proper 14/Pentecost 12/Ordinary Time 19, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-6, 16-22, 45b; and see Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-6, 37-45.)
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
When she was a little girl her parents bought a cottage by the lake. It was a small and humble place, but it would soon be filled with many memories. Each summer the family would go to the lake. She and her brother and sisters went swimming almost every day. On special occasions her father would rent a boat and the whole family would paddle around the lake. She learned how to fish and even tried her hand at water skiing. Vacations were a constant source of joy because of the little cottage by the lake.
Tempe Fussell
Curtis Fussell
If you have ever made an in-depth investigation of your family history, a genealogy, then you probably came across some ancestors who would qualify as so-called "black sheep of the family." Among my own ancestors my father came across a family will dating back to shortly before the Civil War. In that will it speaks of my great-great-great-grandmother selling off slaves. In fact, the will indicates that the slave family she owned was to be divided up at her death. When I first heard about this I was shocked and horrified. I could not believe it was true until I read the will myself.
Tom M. Garrison
It was the July 22, 1999, CNN live coverage of the burial at sea of John F. Kennedy, Jr. All his family members were dressed in black, knowing that in a few minutes the remains of someone they loved would be forever committed to the sea. When the coverage from the first news of the plane crash began to air -- one of the main subjects was all the tragedy that this family has suffered, beginning with the little boy the press called John-John, standing with a salute for his fallen father, the President of the United States.
Stan Purdum
I'd quit the ministry were it not for what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 13! Here Jesus is brutally honest in telling his ministers both then and now what to expect. In the best of times ministry is difficult. In the worst of times it is downright intolerable. But there is hope! For in Jesus Christ, nothing is wasted!
Jeff Wedge
Many people have heard a part of this lesson before. Most particularly, the last two verses, the part about "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Genesis 29:15-28
Theme: Apprentice

Call To Worship
Leader: Remember that God still guides us today. God always finds new ways of shedding light on our paths. We rejoice in an ever-present, ever-creating, and ever-sustaining God.
People: Praise be to God.

Collect

God of purpose, God of design, God who knows the way: We come with open hearts ready to hear your word. We come as students of faith. We come as your disciples. Through Christ. Amen.

Prayer Of Confession
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Sing Praise To God (NCH6, UM126, PH483)
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (CBH582, NCH18, 19, UM127, PH281)
Like The Murmur Of The Dove's Song (NCH270, UM544, PH314)
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go (NCH485, UM480, PH342)
Jesus Priceless Treasure (CBH595, NCH480, UM532, PH365)
Thine Is The Glory (CBH269, NCH253, UM308, PH122)
By Gracious Powers (NCH412, UM517, PH342)
The Kingdom Of God (CBH224, UM275)

Anthems
The Love Of God, Natalie Sleeth, SATB

Emphasis Preaching Journal

William H. Shepherd
God works in hidden ways.

It's an oft-heard saying, perhaps a cliché, but there is a reason certain phrases become clichés. The Bible gives plenty of evidence of a God who works in hidden ways.
Wayne Brouwer
According to social researchers there are five basic reasons why people fail to make long- term commitments such as marriage. First, some are hurt by a past relationship that came undone in a nasty or painful way. "Once bitten, twice shy" is the way the modern proverb puts it. Troublesome difficulties in a passionate romance where we allowed ourselves to become vulnerable and then felt abused or misused by the object of our emotions can cause us to pull back from similar future possibilities.

CSSPlus

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field. (Matthew 13:31)

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever visited the kingdom of heaven? (let them answer) Where is the kingdom of heaven? (let them answer) None of you have ever been there, but I suppose all of you want to go there some day, don't you? (let them answer)
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Romans 8:35)

Good morning, boys and girls. Do you feel close to Jesus? (let them answer) When you are in church, can you feel Jesus all around you? (let them answer) Do you feel close to Jesus when you go home from church? (let them answer) When you go to school, or take a ride in your car, or shop in a store, do you feel close to Jesus? (let them answer)

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL