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Worship

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How Pleasant To Be In God's Presence -- Psalm 84 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
1. How pleasant to be in God’s presence at prayer!
God, Hear My Plea -- Psalm 130 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
1. God, hear my plea as unto you I cry. From deep despair, Lord, hear my every sigh.
O God, In Deep Distress I Pray -- Psalm 4 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. O God, in deep distress I pray. I seek the solace of your way,
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.
Sing We, To The Lord Of Glory -- Psalm 98 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. Sing we, to the Lord of glory; Sing a joyous, glad new song.
To The Lord Of Lords, Ascended -- Psalm 47 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
1. To the Lord of lords, ascended, Come we, now, with songs of praise.
Happy Are The Ones Who In The Lord Live -- Psalm 1 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. Happy are the ones who in the Lord live, Delighting in his pathway of life;
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,
Holy Spirit, Sent From Heaven -- Psalm 104:25-35, 37 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
1. Holy Spirit, sent from heaven, Breathing new life all around;
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,

Drama

SermonStudio

Who Is Your King? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Emperor Guard Advisor Narrator Drummer
Where Is Your Lamb? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
I am the good shepherd.
Home By Another Way -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Wise Man 1 Wise Man 2
Miracles? No Problem! -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Elizabeth Mary Gabriel
A Gift From My Father -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Each believer is given gifts from our Heavenly Father.
The Voice Of Purpose -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
The man in the drama has found a relationship with God, and the Voice of Despair has lost his power
The Voice Of Despair -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Each of us long for a purpose and a meaning to life.
A Problem With Your Card -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Is life to be spent collecting debt and then trying to manage it?
Unsinkable -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Can life be compartmentalized? If unfaithfulness leaks into one part of our life, will it sink us?
This Is My Life -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
God wants to do more in our lives than we can ask or imagine, but often we feel that because of the

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Perfect Example to Follow -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John W. Clarke -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2011
As is often the case, John's gospel reports more of the contents of Jesus' instructions to his disci
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
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.
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
Baptizing in the Spirit -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Richard A. Hasler -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
In Alex Haley's pioneer study, Roots, there is a poignant scene when Kunta Kinta, a slave, dr
Modeling Humility -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
As a young man Benjamin Franklin sought to attain moral perfection; consequently, he made a list of
Testifying to the Light -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Edmund Morris, in the first volume of his brilliant trilogy, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt,
Believing the Impossible -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
There are a lot of good things to say about being a parent or a grandparent and one of the joys is t
Distinguishing Between Disaster and Blessing -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Richard A. Hasler -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
There is an old Taoist story about a wise man who lived on the northern frontier of China.
Being Aware of What Is Happening -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Richard A. Hasler -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2011
Every evening about sunset at a popular hotel on the island of Maui, a young Hawaiian walks to the e

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving -- Psalm 37:3-4 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is awake, loving, and caring.
Abraham, Ancestor of Jesus -- Genesis 12:1-2, 3b -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
If we have faith, we are in the family of Abraham.
David, Ancestor of Jesus -- 1 Samuel 16:7 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
It's what inside that matters.
The Message of the Angel -- Hebrews 1:14 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is awake, loving, and caring.
Christmas -- Luke 2:10-11 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We think of Jesus and the joy he brought.
Growing Up In God -- Wesley T. Runk -- 2005
Growing Up In God
Celebrating Jesus' Birth -- Wesley T. Runk -- 2005
Celebrating Jesus' Birth
New Year's -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter!
Moms Are Like That -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. Why are you looking so sad?
Sin Protection -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Get your sin protection here! "Sin Protectors" -- only $5 each or two for $15.

Preaching

SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The ashes on the forehead are a symbol of hope, not despair.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
The Lenten Season
Psalm 100 -- Psalm 100 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Know that the Lord is God! It is [God] who made us, and we are [God's]" (v. 3).
Psalm 65 -- Psalm 65 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There are two fundamental theories that govern our human existence.
Psalm 63:1-8 -- Psalm 63:1-8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
At the core of our faith is the basic tenet that we must surrender ourselves to God.
Psalm 62:5-12 -- Psalm 62:5-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The storybooks of our faith are full of heroes and martyrs who have insisted on the sovereignty of G
Psalm 52 -- Psalm 52 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Schoolyard bullies populate the memory of a lot of people.
Psalm 51:1-17 -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
As this Lenten season begins, it might be a good thing to think deeply about confession.

Worship Service

Stories

SermonStudio

Sermons In Stones -- Psalm 19 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
Shakespeare scholars will recognize the source of this title.
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.
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
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
When Words Are Not Enough -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
Once upon a time, a farmer who was a deacon in his country church was summoned to serve on a federal
A New Year's Resolution -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
Good instructions.
Thanks For The Memory, Bob -- John 6:24-35 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2008
Several years ago, America paused to mark the passing of a great man.
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
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.
The Earth Is The Lord's ... And Don't You Forget It! -- Psalm 24 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2008
Of course, we do forget it ... regularly.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Easter Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Some of us, dear God, have celebrated Easter twenty, forty, sixty times or more -- and it has yet to
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
One of the limitations your creation places upon us, O God, is time.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, dear Lord, we clearly see you in the behavior of others.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
This past week, Creator God, when storms and tornados swept through our community four consecutive n
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We come before you this morning, O God, out of deep concern for our world.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our heavenly God, you love us when we fail to love ourselves.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
There are times, dear Creator, when we are sure we know what is right and what is wrong.
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal God, as accustomed as we are to all kinds of people demonstrating on our streets, we find ou
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
How good it is, our Savior and Creator, to assemble here this morning.
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
God, our Redeemer, how refreshing it is to come again to this place of worship.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3 / Ordinary Time 3 -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep. -- Nehemiah 8:9
Epiphany 3 / Ordinary Time 3 -- Psalm 19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock an
Epiphany 3 / Ordinary Time 3 -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice togethe
Epiphany 3 / Ordinary Time 3 -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. -- Luke 4:21
Epiphany 4 / Ordinary Time 4 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.... -- Jeremiah 1:5
Epiphany 4 / Ordinary Time 4 -- Psalm 71:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. -- Psalm 71:1
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. -- Luke 6:20
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. -- Genesis 45:4
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret -- it leads only to evil.
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrec

Poems

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SermonStudio

Danger -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
There is an old story about a Portuguese monastery which was
Death -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
It's an old but usable one which tells of the old man who is
Definitions -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Dennis Erickson, the University of Miami football coach, gives
Devil -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Two youngsters were walking home from Sunday school where they
Diplomacy -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
One of the late Bishop Kenneth Shanblin's stories was about a
Do-It-Yourself -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Barry Bailey reports that in his hometown of Sheridan,
Doctors -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A man who was fed up with the world and its grim promise of
Dogs -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
There was the youngster who claimed to have the smartest dog
Drinking -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Another story that has several versions is the one about the
Ecumenical -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
How church folk react to fire: There was once an ecumenical gathering being held in a

Faith Development

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Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

Till death do us part -- Ruth 1:16-17 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Till death do us part Location: Ruth 1:16-17
To be all things to all people -- 1 Corinthians 9:22 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: To be all things to all people
To every thing there is a season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: To every thing there is a season
Turn the other cheek -- Matthew 5:39 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Turn the other cheek Location: Matthew 5:39
Two are better than one -- Ecclesiastes 4:9 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Two are better than one Location: Ecclesiastes 4:9
A two-edged sword -- Revelation 1:16 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A two-edged sword Location: Revelation 1:16
Vanity, all is vanity -- Ecclesiastes 1:2 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Vanity, all is vanity Location: Ecclesiastes 1:2
Vengeance is the Lord's -- Romans 12:19 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Vengeance is the Lord's Location: Romans 12:19
Wash my hands of the whole thing -- Matthew 27:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Wash my hands of the whole thing
We came in with nothing -- 1 Timothy 6:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: We came in with nothing Location: 1 Timothy 6:7

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Christian Faith

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Christopher Keating
For August 16, 2026:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
This is one of those weeks where all three of the scripture readings weave intricately together. Taken as a whole, there is a clear theme: the grace of God is for us. We have no need to impress God. We can do nothing to earn the gift of God. God simply reaches down, into the hearts of those who struggle to keep pace with God and God’s plans for us, and lifts us up, fills us with joy, sustains us when we are afraid. Which is a good deal of the time.
David Kalas
I was an Arminian in a Calvinist seminary. It was not a hostile relationship, and I was not in constant arguments. From time to time the underlying difference in outlook would percolate to the surface of some conversations, and I usually found the resulting dialogue most fruitful.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Bushman was busy grooming his bushy, luxuriant tail. His tail was his best feature, and the envy of all the other squirrels. But Bushman wished he was good at something else too. His friend Cobbler was the best collector of nuts the squirrels had ever seen, and his other friend Tricky had a brilliant brain and could always work out the best way of reaching those nuts which always seemed to remain tantalisingly out of range.

StoryShare

Keith Hewitt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"The Prisoner" by Keith Hewitt
"Heavenly Talkback" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * *


The Prisoner
by Keith Hewitt
Genesis 45:1-15

SermonStudio

Elizabeth Achtemeier
In Sunday schools and Bible studies, the Joseph stories are frequently used as moral lessons, and Joseph is often held up as a moral example. As Joseph learned humility, goes the teaching, so should we. As Joseph forgave his brothers, so should we.
Schuyler Rhodes
"How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!" The words that open this powerful psalm are nearly universal in their ability to inspire. However, the dream somehow seems to rarely find itself materialized in our common life. Our nation is polarized to the point of being paralyzed. Our churches are at war among themselves, striking out at one another in internecine struggle. And globally, we are descending into a frenzy of greed and intolerance.

Where, one has to ask, is this unity?
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
The United States has historically been called a "melting pot" society where peoples from all lands, ethnicities, creeds, and religions have been "melted" or assimilated into one people. While the words of Emma Lazarus' famous poem etched into the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore," have been the solace of many immigrants, the unfortunate yet more accurate picture of American history has been one of intolerance.
Tempe Fussell
Curtis Fussell
This is it. The moment we've all been waiting for. The moment when all the people who thought you'd never amount to anything watch you come out on the stage. The spotlight hits you. The audience stands and the entire hall reverberates with their applause. This is that moment when a man dressed in the finery of the Egyptian court makes himself known to his impoverished brothers. "It's me, Joseph! It's me! Remember me? The brother you threw into a pit? Don't you remember me, Judah? You suggested that you could get some money by selling me into slavery."
Stan Purdum
In the Gospel of Mark, the woman in our story is called a "Syrophoenician." Matthew, however, calls her a "Canaanite." That's easier to say than "Syrophoenician" but there's something more important going on with that change. The Canaanites are not just Gentiles but enemies. They are the people who were to be driven out of the promised land by the Israelites and who fought against God's covenant people. There could be peace with other people of the Near East, but not with the nations of Canaan.
Wayne H. Keller
Remembering Whose We Are

Invitation to the Celebration

I invite us to celebrate the Presence and Power of the Living God, who is revealed as Father/Mother -- Creator, as Son/Child -- Redeemer, as Fire/Wind --ÊEmpowerer. We hear and experience and know of God in many ways. Throughout this worship, you will have many opportunities to hear, experience, know of God in those ways. You are invited to respond at any time.
P: The world which God loves needs a sense of community and family.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Christ, The Healer, We Have Come (NCH175, CBH379, UM265, PH380)
Now Thank We All Our God (NCH419, CBH86, UM102, PH555)
How Good A Thing It Is (CBH310)
Behold The Goodness Of Our Lord (PH241)
All People That On Earth Do Dwell (LBW245, NCH7, PH220, 221, UM75, CBH42)
Help Us Accept Each Other (NCH388, PH358, UM560)
Where Charity And Love Prevail (LBW126, NCH396, UM549, CBH305)
In Christ There Is No East Or West (LBW359, NCH394, 395, PH439, 440, UM548, CBH306)

CSSPlus

She [the Canaanite woman] said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." (Matthew 15:27)

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like bread? (let them answer) Do you have a favorite kind of bread? (let them answer) My favorite kind of bread is French bread. I really like it when it is warm and I can eat it with good olive oil. Have you ever had that kind of bread? (let them answer)
Leah Thompson
For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all. (v. 32)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you this morning? (allow answers) Today we are going to talk about forgiveness. Who can tell me what forgiveness is? (allow answers) When we forgive someone, we decide not to be angry at them for something they have done.

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