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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25 -- Matthew 20:1-16, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 21 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Psalm 25:1-9 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
Litany Divide the congregation into four voices.
Proper 22/Pentecost 20/Ordinary Time 27 -- Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7, Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of Confession And Absolution P: O holy one of Israel,
Proper 23 / Ordinary Time 28 / Pentecost 18 -- Matthew 22:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9, Philippians 4:1-9, Psalm 23 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of Confession And Absolution
Proper 24/Pentecost 22/Ordinary Time 29 -- Matthew 22:15-22, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Litany Of Confession
Proper 25/Pentecost 23/Ordinary Time 29 -- Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Psalm 1 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Confession And Forgiveness
Reformation Day -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Choral Music "The House Of The Lord" -- Bradley Ellingboe (Neil A. Kjos Music)
All Saints -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
Gathering
Proper 26 / Ordinary Time 31 / Pentecost 23 -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 43 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 27/Pentecost 22/Ordinary Time 32 -- Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 5:18-24, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalm 70 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Gathering

Drama

SermonStudio

The Rich Man -- Mark 10:17-27 -- Lynn Robert Schlessman -- 2004
CharactersFredBillChorus 1Rich Man
The Great Banquet -- Luke 14:16-24 -- Lynn Robert Schlessman -- 2004
CharactersFredBillSlaveFirst One
Adam And Eve: The First Couple -- Genesis 1-3 -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is dual purpose.
Strangers In A Strange Land: The Story Of Daniel And His Friends -- Daniel 1-6 -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This one-act play is designed to be flexible.
The Lord's Servant: The Story Of Mary -- Luke -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play can be used as a reading to spark discussion or performed with simple props.
Jesus: The Unselfish King -- Luke 22-24 -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is designed to be read using no props or scenery, or performed using simple effects.
Noah And The Flood -- Genesis 6:5--9:17 -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is designed to be read and discussed with no props or scenery or produced as a simple one-
Jacob And Esau: Trickery In The Genes -- Genesis 25-29 -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is designed to be read and discussed with no scenery, or produced easily with a few simple
Joseph And His Brothers -- Genesis 37-47 -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
Although there are several different scenes in this skit, for simplicity's sake it can be performed
How Low Can You Go? The Story Of Job -- Job -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This skit can be used "bare bones" simply as a reading to spark discussion, or performed as a one-ac

Sermon

SermonStudio

Divorce: The Deadlock Of Wedlock -- Matthew 5:31-32 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
It was also said, "Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce." But I s
A Woman's Place -- Matthew 5:27 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
... everyone who looks at a woman.... -- Matthew 5:27
Don't Waste Your Breath! -- Matthew 5:33-37 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Again you have heard that it was said to the men of old, "You shall not swear falsely, but shall
You Guys Are Really Gonna Be Different! -- Matthew 5:38-42 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." But I say to you, D
How To Treat Your Enemies -- Matthew 5:43-47 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to
Is Pacifism Biblical? -- Matthew 5:39 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Do not resist one who is evil. -- Matthew 5:39 Love your enemies.
Confessions Of A Healed Perfectionist -- Matthew 5:48 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The Fine Art Of Giving -- Matthew 6:1-4 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no
Prayer: Moving The Hands That Move The World -- Matthew 6:5-13 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the sy
It's Called Forgiveness ... And It's On Your Exam! -- Matthew 6:12, Matthew 6:14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. -- Matthew 6:12

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

During Lent -- Psalm 116:12-19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In the classroom Bernadette prayed that the floor would open so she could fall in it, or if not that
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
As God heard the shouting, God saw Jesus approaching the people, riding on the back of a small donke
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Jesus' friends came together. They were sad because Jesus was no longer with them.
Jesus At Twelve -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Mary said to Joseph, "I thought Jesus was with you!" Joseph replied, "I thought Jesus was with you."
Jesus And The Children -- Luke 18:15-17 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Pantomime "Jesus And The Children" while it is being read.
The Good Samaritan ... But ... -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus told stories because people like, listen to, and remember stories.
The Three Trees -- Psalm 1:3 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Choose four volunteers -- a narrator and three trees to do a readers' theatre of "The Three Trees."
The Two Sons -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus said, "A father had two sons, two boys (Young children sometimes confuse their "suns").
The Donkey -- 1 Corinthians 4:10 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Think of the donkey,The one we call "dumb,"Yet patient, mild and meek,
The Great Commandment -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In our Bible story for today someone asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 119:97-104 -- Psalm 119:97-104 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A devotee of the writings of the apostle Paul might look at such a psalm as this and shake his head
Psalm 119:105-112 -- Psalm 119:105-112 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A fond memory emerges of a young child attending church camp, walking darkened pathways each night f
Psalm 119:137-144 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Protestant Christians love to talk about grace.
Psalm 121 -- Psalm 121 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is perhaps no better feeling than knowing that someone "has your back." Having someone's back
Psalm 122 -- Psalm 122 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In this day of turmoil and violence in the Middle East, a call to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem,"
Psalm 123 -- Psalm 123 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A wise preacher once said that original sin did not involve an apple or a big snake.
Psalm 124 -- Psalm 124 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The words to this psalm bring to mind the phrase imprinted on a huge monument to Germany's fallen in
Psalm 124 -- Psalm 124 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Everyone needs someone who is on their side. This is not about friendship, though that's important.
Psalm 125 -- Psalm 125 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Trusting in God is the most challenging and basic element of faith.
Psalm 126 -- Psalm 126 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Some dreams feel so real that waking is a moment of profound confusion; a shudder of dislocation.

Stories

SermonStudio

Ambassadors For Christ -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everythi
Is Your Faith Skybala? -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.
Forgiveness In The Heart -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him.
The Fisher King -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this wo
The Ragman -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, stru
The Defeat Of Death -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a
The Goodness Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
Transformation -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the
Saints In White Satin -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation,
Living In Kansas, Wishing For Oz -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away

Prayer

SermonStudio

THE GOOD NEWS OF FORGIVENESS -- John 20:19-23 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:19-23
MESSIAH -- John 20:24-29 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:24-29
A THANK YOU FOR JOHN -- John 20:30-31 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:30, 31
WHEN OTHERS ARE AROUND -- John 21:1-14 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 21:1-14
ONE ON ONE -- John 21:15-19 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 21:15-19
WE WILL -- John 21:20-25 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 21:20-25
FOR THE FATHER AND US -- John 18:1-14 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 18:1-14
GIFT FROM THE FATHER -- John 12:44-50 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 12:44-50
LOVE AND DIFFICULT TIMES -- John 13:21-35 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 13:21-35
WINNING US BACK -- John 13:36-38 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 13:36-38

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
Acts 1:1-11
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
Acts 2:1-21
The Holy Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
Isaiah 6:1-8
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35, Psalm 138 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15)
Proper 6 -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49
Proper 8 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 130 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places!
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 48 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29, Psalm 24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 David danced before the Lord with all his might.

Poems

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Easter

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Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

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Mother's Day

Gathering Prayer

Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

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Christian Faith

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Pentecost
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Trinity Sunday
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 5 (OT 10, Pent 2)
22 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
21 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

SermonStudio

William G. Carter
An unusual piece of mail arrived at the office the other day. Inside the envelope was a colorful brochure, a response card, and a prepaid business reply envelope. A computer-generated cover letter was addressed to First Presbyterian Church.
Stan Purdum
Pentecost is considered the birth date of the church universal. There was also planted that day, in the preaching of the apostle Peter, an important seed -- the fruit of which was almost lost at one point in the church's history. That seed was in this statement by Peter: "Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21).
Steven E. Albertin
They had been waiting so long for this. It was an interminable fifty days since Jesus had risen from the dead. It had been ten long days since Jesus had ascended into heaven from that mountain outside of Jerusalem and that angel had told them to go back to Jerusalem and wait. They had to wait again for what must have seemed like an eternity to finally receive what they had been waiting for -- the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Mark Ellingsen
It's Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the birth of the Church and the giving of the Holy Spirit, as our lesson from Acts (2:1-21) reports. But the Bible makes it clear that it was not just on that first Pentecost that the Holy Spirit was given. It happened to some in Old Testament times (Judges 6:34; 1 Samuel 11:6; 16:13). However, the Spirit was also given during Jesus' own life on earth. Here's the story.
Larry M. Goodpaster
One of the several things we all have in common is the sheer enjoyment of receiving gifts. While we may not always say so, our feelings are at least slightly wounded if our birthday is forgotten. Christmas is not memorable if, because of economic conditions, or because we were extravagant with gifts for others, our gifts are fewer in number. I've also observed that as many of us add years to our lives, the gifts we do receive are more predictable and much more practical.
Schuyler Rhodes
Today is Pentecost. Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God. Today we celebrate the birthday of the Church of Jesus Christ, recalling our ancestors in the faith who received the power of God's Holy Spirit and began a journey which we continue in this moment as we take on the struggle to become a faithful people in today's world. Today we celebrate the arrival of the Advocate, the Spirit who accompanies and partners with us in life and faith.
Gary L. Carver
To be asked to speak or pray in public sent shivers of terror down his spine. He had a small part in his high school play. He froze. When it came time for him to deliver his lines, he could not say a word. He never completely recovered from that humiliation and embarrassment. But if you needed a nurse during a painful or sleepless long night, he was your man. With dozens of people for dozens of years often late into the night, he administered the "sacrament of the coffee pot" as he listened and counseled with a wisdom from a source other than his own.
James L. Killen, Jr.
The story of the Day of Pentecost tells of a pivotal event in the history of God's work in the world. It tells of the emerging of a very important aspect of the Christian faith and of the birth of the church.
Stephen M. Crotts
Have you ever noticed how we preachers often promote the early church as if it were the ideal? "Why, they did a miracle a day in the early church." "When they had a prayer meeting, everyone came!" " They spoke in Greek then!" (As if it were some sort of superior language!) On and on we can go browbeating ourselves by comparison.

Yet, when one really studies the Bible, he discovers that early believers weren't perfect either. Moses had his temper. Noah got drunk. David fell into adultery. Peter couldn't keep his vows and Paul and Barnabas split up over a disagreement.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: The day of Pentecost is upon us.
All: Those who have been touched by tongues of fire
can speak as though in native languages.
One: In worship together, let us share with each other.
All: Let us share our bread, our wine, and our prayers.
One: We come to the Lord's table.
All: It is spread before us.

Prayer Of The Day
One: Spirit of the Living God,
visit us again on this day of Pentecost,
All: come, Holy Spirit.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
Fire Of God, Undying Flame (NCH64)
Wind Who Makes All Winds That Blow (NCH271, CBH31, UM38, PH131)
Filled With The Spirit's Power (NCH266, CBH289, UM537)
Like The Murmur Of A Dove's Song (CBH29, UM544, PH314)
O Spirit Of The Living God (CBH361, UM539)
Spirit Of The Living God (PH322)
Many And Great, O God (NCH3, UM148, PH271)
I Sing The Mighty Power Of God (CBH46, UM152, PH288)

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
For May 24, 2026:

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'receive the Holy Spirit.' (v. 22)

Good morning, boys and girls. I am so happy to see you this morning. You know why I'm happy? I am happy because you are here at worship ? and I am really happy to tell you about something amazing! Are you ready to hear about it?  (children answer)

There are some things in life that are invisible. But they are very real. For example, here in my hands I am holding some air. (cup hands like holding air) (shows air to children)
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus comes to us even when we are afraid and gives us the power to live as his followers.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus promised his friends that great power would be available to them when he had finally disappeared from this earth. That power came on the Day of Pentecost. In our worship today let us explore what sort of power this was and whether it is still available to us.


Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I have difficulty connecting with things that happened 2,000 years ago.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I assume that all your power was in the past, belonging to a by-gone age.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Happy Birthday"
Shining Moments: "Wrapped in Pentecost" by Kate Jones
Sermon Starter: "Do You Have Charisma?" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "What the World Needs Now..." by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
David O. Bales
Contents
"Rauch" by C. David McKirachan
"Claustrophobia" by David O. Bales


* * * * * * * *


Ruach
by C. David McKirachan
Acts 2:1-21

Emphasis Preaching Journal

We've all seen them -- women and men, girls and boys, wrestling with huge sails attached to a small board, seeking to stand and balance and catch both the wind and the waves just right -- windsurfers. It is one of the hardest sports to learn and succeed at, but to those who have made it an art, it is one of the most rewarding experiences of freedom. One stands between heaven and earth, supported by nothing more than the fluid surface of a lake or ocean, and powered by the breath of this world's atmosphere. To catch the right breeze is a craft not easily learned.

Special Occasion

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