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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We are told that our love toward others
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: To people held captive by others,
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: When we have been overwhelmed by the flood of fears,
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Here, we gather in preparation
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: God became an infant
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: All around us, the universe sings
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
Greeting One: This is the day God has made. All: Let us rejoice!
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We gather in God's holy presence,
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: God, enlarge our hearts,
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Be still!

Drama

SermonStudio

Producing Christmas: A Humorous Children's Christmas Play -- Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth -- 2006
Characters Producer -- three speaking Mary -- five speaking
Jesus And The Shepherds Of Bethlehem -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Luke Mary Roman Soldier Joseph
Jesus And The Wise Men -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Luke Mary Joseph Magi 1 Magi 2
Jesus At The Age Of Twelve -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Joseph Mary Priest
Jesus And John The Baptist -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Woman John Rabbi Pharisee
Jesus And The Devil -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Devil Questions
Jesus Calls Peter -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Andrew
Jesus' Parable Of The Four Soils -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Soil 1 Soil 2
Jesus Heals A Woman In The Crowd -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Woman 1 Woman 2 Jairus
Jesus Heals The Daughter Of Jairus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jairus Jesus Peter Woman 1

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Total Gift -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the
Waiting for Christmas -- James 5:7-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Excitement is building on this the third Sunday of Advent knowing that Christmas will soon be here.
Unity and Hope -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
As we make our way through Advent inching closer to Christmas, our days are consumed with many tasks
Wake Up Call -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Advent always seems out of place with everything else that is going on around us.
Thanksgivings to Remember -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Argile Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2010
Joan sat on the sofa reflecting on the Thanksgiving Day holiday that she and her children had enjoye
God Cares -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Argile Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Imagine yourself in a remote location, separated from familiar faces and places.
Powerless People -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Some time ago, someone in Fred's congregation asked him to read a book by a fellow named Tex Sample.
Choosing -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2010
Do you remember the generation gap that existed between you and your parents when you were a teenage
When God Does Something New -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Argile Smith -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2010
After a prolonged spate of bad news about the national and global economic situation, we welcome goo
Who's the Real Leader? -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Talk To The Shepherd -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter!
"Wait Upon The Lord" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Today the puppet is wearing the "girl's wig." I call her Petra.
"A Star Is Born" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter!
Goin' Fishin' -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: (Calls) Peter! Peter! Oh, hi, Peter!
Paul The Pie Maker -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Well, Peter, how are you getting along in Sunday school?
"The Bread Of Life" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. How are you today?
God Hates Lying -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. It's good to have you here this morning.
The Memory Verse -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Good morning, Pastor. May I say a memory verse?
The Prayer Chain -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter!
What Do You Want Installed? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Today is a very important time for our church as we have the installation service for

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 29 -- Psalm 29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Riding out a storm can be an amazing experience.
Psalm 29 -- Psalm 29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Certain people have unforgettable voices.
Psalm 29 -- Psalm 29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Anyone who has ever worked with other people knows that it's important to give credit where it's due
Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
German playwright, Bertolt Brecht, writes in one of his immortal tunes that "magic fear puts the wor
Psalm 27 -- Psalm 27 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Little children love to walk on the edge.
Psalm 26 -- Psalm 26 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Integrity is a precious thing indeed.
Psalm 25:1-10 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This first Sunday in Advent is the beginning of a powerful journey.
Psalm 25:1-10 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Trusting is never easy. Even in the best of relationships, people step into trust slowly.
Psalm 24 -- Psalm 24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In American culture, the concept of property is primary.
Psalm 24 -- Psalm 24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It is an easily embraced equation. If you're good, you go to heaven.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Healing Touch -- Mark 1:29-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2008
What is a dinner guest to do?
Understanding Bible Prophecy -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2008
One of my parishioners once wrote me asking for some help in understanding the confusing imagery in
A Gospel For Losers -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2008
A fellow is standing at a bar, just looking at his drink.
The Voice -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2008
Someone has suggested that the title for a sermon about this incident in the life of Samuel should b
Power! -- Mark 1:4-11 -- David E. Leininger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2008
In a former congregation of mine, a Sunday school teacher told me of an incident that happened there
Gifts For The Christ Child -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2008
The three wise men.
Merry Xmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
This is a glorious time of year.
Simeon -- Luke 2:22-40 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
I am old and ready to die.
Christmas In The Crossfire -- Titus 2:11-14 -- David E. Leininger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
One Monday, a couple of years ago, my wife and I crossed the driveway from the manse to the church t
Surprise! -- Luke 1:26-38 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Do you like surprises? Some folks do.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator and Savior, we witness that your hand is unwavering as you guide the destiny of all peop
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Listener, some of us have difficulty praying, while some of us come by it easily, regular
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal King, how great you are.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, in whom we place our trust, how good it is to come together to worship you.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes words fail us, O Holy One.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It still disturbs us to recall those events, O heavenly Spirit.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Today, O God, our words are heavy for we are mindful of the pain that resides within our lives.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, God our Sustainer, it is difficult to pray.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, O God our Lord, we are convinced that we see the truth of life.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we are young, Our Creator, we simply don't think of death. It doesn't seem to apply to us.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christmas 2 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
We, who were first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances.
Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry.
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- John 1:1-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
The light shines in darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. -- John 1:5
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings go
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last d
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
They asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied,
Christmas 1 -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord.

Poems

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Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Language -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Two American sailors were on leave while their ship was docked
Law -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
In Chicago it is against the law to eat in a place that is on fire.
Marriage -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A woman bought 200 stamps in the Lynnfield, Massachusetts,
Medicine And Medical -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Medical terminology for the layperson:Artery -- the study of fine paintings
Methodists -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A bandit confronted a Methodist circuit rider in an isolated
Money -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A woman inquired of a Methodist minister if he would baptize
Music -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Jack Benny told of the time he carried his violin case to the
Names -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Then, of course, there was a coal miner in West Virginia whose
Nepotism -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Some years ago Russ Hedderly, then a linebacker for Kent
Nervous -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
It's an old one and variously told. But, a woman entered a

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Thanksgiving Day

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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

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

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
During World War II, a number of British regiments from this part of East Anglia were sent to the Far East. Many young men were taken prisoner by the Japanese, and were incarcerated in Japanese prisoner of war camps.

Their treatment in these camps was brutal, and many lost their lives. Those who survived until the end of the War emerged emaciated, beaten, traumatised and often cowed.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Larry Winebrenner
Contents
"These Christians and Their Money" by David O. Bales
"Shepherds and Thieves" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Cry and the Answer" by Larry Winebrenner


* * * * * * * *


These Christians and Their Money
by David O. Bales
Acts 2:42-47
C. David Mckirachan
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Tea and Crumpets Committee" by C. David McKirachan
"Too Good to Be True" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * *


Tea and Crumpets Committee
by C. David McKirachan
Acts 2:42-47

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
(See Lent 4, Cycle A, and Easter 4, Cycles B and C, for alternative approaches.)

It is one of the best-known and best-loved passages of the Bible. Generations have memorized it, in Sunday school or at the knee of parents or grandparents. It is one of the first Bible passages we learn, and -- as common as it is at funerals -- it is among the last words said over us when we die. Psalm 23 has been a source of strength and comfort for many.
William E. Keeney
"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14, 36--41 (RC)
(Look at Lesson 1 for Easter 3)

Lesson 1: Acts 6:1--9; 7:2a, 51--60 (E, L)
Tony S. Everett
The week before classes began, Harold, a high school history teacher, fell off a step ladder and injured his back. For the next three months he was forced to wear a plaster cast around the entire upper part of his body. The cast fit so well underneath his shirt and sport coat that it was not at all noticeable.
David O. Bales
Last summer my wife and I enjoyed visiting our friends Dick and Mary in Montana. They have about 45 quarter horses and they were thrilled to show us the herd and take us along one evening to feed them. That evening we also helped get a three-month-old filly into the barn in order to medicate a cut on her face. The filly was a little skittish, but we got her into the barn and into a large stall and then Dick tried to get a halter on her head to hold her still in order to clean and medicate the cut.
Robert J. Elder
Now here is what I often think of as a passage of scripture with high potential for use as a brick--bat. At least it is often employed that way by folks who think the way the church moves ahead is by making people feel guilty and bad about things that are not their fault. Sometimes preachers read this and find it almost too tempting to stand before their congregations and extol the glories of the church in the New Testament version of the "good old days," so that everyone pretty much feels extra lousy that the good old days appear to be long--gone enough as to be well nigh unrecoverable.
Albert G. Butzer, III
I know a woman who says that her husband has a listening problem. Incidentally, this is not autobiographical. To be sure, he does have a hearing problem and wears hearing aids to compensate, but his real problem - at least according to his wife - is not a hearing problem but a listening problem. She says to him, "I'm going to the store, so would you please turn the oven to 350 degrees at 5:30 and put in the casserole." "Sure," he replies, "no problem." But when she comes home, the dinner is still cold. By the way, did I remember to tell you that this is not autobiographical!
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Once upon a time, a great and loving king ruled over a vast territory. There was something very strange about this kingdom, however. Everything was the same. The people ate the same food, drank the same drink, wore the same clothes, and lived in the same type of homes. The people even did all the same work. There was another oddity about this place. Everything was gray - the food, the drink, the clothes, the houses; there were no other colors.
Wayne H. Keller
A Celebration Of Resurrection

Invitation to the Easter Celebration
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of The Day
P: Gracious Father, you sent your Son so that we might have life and have it abundantly. May we seek such goodness in our lives and desire it for others, so that gathered as one flock, all people would find their rest in our great shepherd, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers
Begin each new petition with:
Shepherd of our hearts ...
Shepherd of our communities ...
Shepherd of our nations ...
Shepherd of our churches ...

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
There are two themes that run through the passages for today. On the one hand there is the "Call of the Wild" (like Jack London's 1903 novel), in which we are commanded to follow our Shepherd Jesus through what might be trackless wastes and difficult places in responding to the great challenge of faith. On the other hand, there is the "Call of the Safe" (like Larry Crabb's great book on small groups, The Safest Place on Earth [Word, 1999]), which places us in the middle of a community of care and grace.
R. Craig Maccreary
People have all sorts of travel styles. I am constantly amazed at those who can just pick up and go on their journeys with minimal amounts of preparation and packing. For me, even the simplest of journeys requires hours of preparation. When recent security concerns required the average traveler to show up at the airport hours before their planned flight I remained largely unaffected. I had been doing that for years. You never know when a mix up might land you at the wrong place or the wrong time. It is best to allow time just in case.

CSSPlus

Good morning! Do you like stories? (get responses) Jesus told stories like this a lot. Sometimes when he wanted to teach people about things that were complicated, he would tell them a story about something they already knew about. Talking about something familiar to them helped them understand something unfamiliar.
When he has brought out all of his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. (v. 4)

Good morning, boys and girls. Jesus thought of himself as a shepherd. Do you know what a shepherd does? (let them answer) That's right, a shepherd watches and protects sheep. Jesus must have known a lot about shepherds because he taught us that sheep trust the shepherd with their lives. When a shepherd speaks, the sheep listen. The sheep know the shepherd's voice and follow him to safety.

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