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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 / /Pentecost 25 -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Christ The King/Proper 29 -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 100 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
Prelude Processional Hymn
Advent -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is a general prayer for Advent focusing on light and the presence of God with us.
Christmas Eve (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
Since the Christmas readings are the same for all lectionary years, these communion prayers may b
Christmas Eve (2) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Christmas Eve (3) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer makes specific use of the familiar Christmas Eve lesson from Luke 2:1-20 with the con
Epiphany -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is specifically written for Epiphany (January 6) as it makes specific reference to th
Baptism Of Jesus (A) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The next three prayers all focus in on the baptism of Jesus.
Baptism Of Jesus (B) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

Drama

SermonStudio

Moses Rocks! -- Exodus -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is designed to be performed as "Reader's Theater" with no props or scenery, or as a simple
Glean On Me: The Story Of Ruth -- Ruth -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is meant to be performed as simply as possible in one continuous act.
Solomon The Wise: You Be The Judge -- 1 Kings 3, Ecclesiastes 3 -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is designed to be read and discussed with no properties, or presented in one act with mini
Courageous Cousins: Esther And Mordecai -- Esther -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play can simply be read without stage directions to promote discussion of a great Bible story,
Dust Thou Art ... Art Thou Dust? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
In preparing to write this, the third Ash Wednesday homily/drama, I was running out of ideas -- unti
Jesus Is Risen ... So What? -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Luke 24:1-12, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
This homily/drama was written -- with much more than the usual amount of blood, sweat, and tears --
But I Wasn't There ... Ya Gotta Show Me! -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Psalm 150 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
You Are There was a real television show in the '50s: back in the days when even commercial t
Just Do It! -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Hey, the Bible doesn't say anything about who ol' Ananias was, so he might have been the proprietor
Paradox -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 100 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
I hope those groaner puns won't detract from the discussion of paradox.
You Shall Be Holy -- Acts 13:44-52, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Me, be holy? Me, with all my horrid habits and stinky sins? I can't do that!

Sermon

SermonStudio

Are You Going To(o) Fast? -- Matthew 6:16-18 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that t
Is Your Reward Waiting? -- Matthew 6:2, 1 Corinthians 15:58 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
... they have received their reward. -- Matthew 6:2
What Does The Bible Say About Materialism? -- Matthew 6:19-33 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves
Television: The Plug-In Drug -- Matthew 6:22-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
The eye is the lamp of the body.
How To Worry Like A Christian! -- Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-7 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or
Of Logs And Specks ... -- Matthew 7:1-6 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.
Praying Through -- Matthew 7:7-11 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
The Most Famous Thing Jesus Ever Said! -- Matthew 7:12 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
So, in everything, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, for this sums up the law an
Door Number One Or Door Number Two? -- Matthew 7:13-14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Enter by the narrow gate.
The Heart Of The Matter -- Matthew 7:15-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Zacchaeus -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"It's not fair! I wish I weren't so small," sighed Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus had always been small.
All Kinds Of Doubts -- Mark 9:24 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
A father came to Jesus with his son who needed healing. He begged Jesus, "Help us!"
The Seed -- Mark 4:1-9 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There once was a seed and in that seed was life. The seed was buried in the earth.
The House On The Rock -- Matthew 7:24-27 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus told a story about a man who built his house upon a rock and another man who built his house u
The Loving Father -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Alan, you are late again!" Alan's father's jaw twitched, which meant Alan's father was not pleased.
Jesus' Resurrection -- Mark 16:6 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The small, furry, green caterpillar ate its way up the stalk of grass.
Transfiguration Sunday -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Leader, wearing dark glasses, asks the children, "Do you know why I am wearing dark glasses?" (Pause
Ask Me, I Will Do It -- John 14:1-14 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Brad was a good student.
Listening -- Mark 1:35 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus was a healer.
Little Wind -- Luke 2 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Little Wind floated silently to the foot of God's throne.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 126 -- Psalm 126 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday.
Psalm 126 -- Psalm 126 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
There's nothing quite as wonderful as looking at an old car that's been restored to its former luste
Psalm 127 -- Psalm 127 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a story about a pastor who worked for years to revive and grow a failing downtown church.
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Forgiveness is a concept common to most everyone. It covers a vast landscape, to be sure.
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Patience," the old ditty goes, "is a grace, and Grace is a little girl who doesn't wash her face."
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Back in the '60s, there was a phenomenon known as trading stamps.
Psalm 131 -- Psalm 131 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Humility is at the core of faith. Nice statement, that. But what does it mean?
Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The scholars tell us that this psalm was likely a liturgical piece used in the celebration of the Lo
Psalm 133 -- Psalm 133 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!" The words that open this pow
Psalm 133 -- Psalm 133 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Living in unity is a beatific vision.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Great Teacher -- John 14:23-29 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we wi
All For One, And One For All -- John 17:20-26 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through the
Waiting And Wasting -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the
Stupid Questions And Wisdom -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?
Earth, Wind, And Fire -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Ray Of Hope< -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
Healing And Concerned Mothers -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out.
Christ Can Do It -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in
Speaking Up For What's Right -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Guiding Angels -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken f

Prayer

SermonStudio

ENJOY THE FATHER -- John 14:1-7 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:1-7
LEAVING QUESTIONS BEHIND -- John 14:8-14 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:8-14
COVERED -- John 14:15-24 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:15-24
A GREATER SACRIFICE -- John 14:25-31 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:25-31
FOR THE SAKE OF FRUIT -- John 15:1-11 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 15:1-11
FRIENDS -- John 15:12-17 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 15:12-17
HARDSHIP AS SERVICE -- John 15:18--16:4a -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 15:18--16:4a
THE SIN OF UNBELIEF -- John 16:4b-15 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 16:4b-15
ALL DOUBTS WILL VANISH -- John 16:16-33 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 16:16-33
TOGETHER FOREVER -- John 17:1-5 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 17:1-5

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 89:20-37 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Proper 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
Song Of Solomon 2:8-13
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 1:20-33
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 31:10-31

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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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