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Worship

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joshua 5:9-12 Theme: Today I Have Taken Away Your Shame
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Theme: Ambassadors Of Hope
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Theme: Treating Sinners Like Old Friends
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:16-21 Theme: No Reruns Here
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:4b-14 Theme: I Want To Know Christ
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- John 12:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 12:1-8 Theme: No Pleasing Some People
Sunday Of The Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9a Theme: Count Well The Cost
Sunday Of The Passion/Palm Sunday -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 2:5-11 Theme: Empty The Cup
Sunday Of The Passion/Palm Sunday -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 23:1-49 Theme: No. On.
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 Theme: Who's That Knockin'?

Drama

SermonStudio

The Lord, The Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Theme: The baptism of the Holy Spirit for service.Summary:
AIDS -- Matthew 5:21-24, 27-30, 33-37 -- Robert F. Crowley -- 1998
ThemeBelievers stumble too. How does a believer handle that?Summary
The Sower And The Seed And So What -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
Theme
Showdown -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Theme
Before The Wedding -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-49 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Theme
Feeding The 4999 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
Theme
Water Logged -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
ThemeIf we just trust Jesus He will take care of our needs.Summary
Demonized -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
ThemeJesus has total control over the powers of darkness.Summary
Who Is God? -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
Theme
The One Chosen -- Matthew 16:21-27 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
Theme

Sermon

SermonStudio

Our Journey Begins Again -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- David H. Webb -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2009
Once upon a time, tragedy struck a small church family where an eighteen-year-old boy took his own l
Relentless Grace -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- David H. Webb -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The story of old Noah and his ark has been told to children and adults for centuries.
An Incredible Blessing -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- David H. Webb -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
When I was in the second grade, I won a Bible storybook by selling magazines.
A Precious Gift -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- David H. Webb -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Some time ago, National Geographic printed a feature article on the Appalachian Trail.
Lift High The Cross -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- David H. Webb -- 2009
In our story today, the children of Israel are simply tired and worn out.
Planted In Our Hearts -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- David H. Webb -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Once upon a time, at a pastor and teacher's conference the group leader asked everyone present to id
Salvation Is Coming -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- David H. Webb -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2009
There is something about this day that stirs us to the very depths of our being.
Slaves Set Free -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- David H. Webb -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2009
It is believed that the Passover was first celebrated on the very night that Israel was set free fro
God's Incredible Gift -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- David H. Webb -- Good Friday - B -- 2009
The servant song in our Old Testament lesson from Isaiah has been the traditional Old Testament read
The Difference Easter Makes -- Acts 10:34-43 -- David H. Webb -- Easter Day - B -- 2009
Once upon a time, a few years ago, a little boy came up to his pastor during Holy Week and said, "Sa

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Believing What God Says -- Genesis 6:22 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Have you ever heard someone say, "You can't believe everything you read," or "You can't believe ever
A Light In The Darkness -- Matthew 5:14-16 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Have you ever been someplace that is dark? I mean really dark.
What Hat Do You Wear? -- Proverbs 20:11 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Look what I have this morning: all kinds of hats. What kind of job uses this hat?
A Missing Piece -- 1 Corinthians 12:14 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Do you like puzzles? I have a puzzle for us to work together this morning.
How Much Protection Do You Have? -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Do you know what this stuff is? (Children respond.) It's sunscreen.
Do It To Them, Do It To Me -- Matthew 25:40, 45 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
(Before the service, enlist an adult seated near the front to help you.) This is Mr.
All Tangled Up -- James 4:7 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I need a helper this morning. (Choose one youngster to assist.
Doing What You Were Meant To Do -- Jeremiah 29:11 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I'm not much of an artist, but I'm going to draw you a picture this morning.
A Fresh Start -- Romans 3:23-24 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
If you were trying to draw a picture and messed up, you would want to start over, wouldn't you?
Being Ready -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
A few years ago, my sister and I went to the beach for the weekend.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 11 -- Psalm 20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2006
Among the greatest political speeches ever written is Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Proper 7/Pentecost 5/Ordinary Time 12 -- Psalm 9:9-20 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2006
Psalm 9 was probably once joined with Psalm 10, for the letters of the Hebrew alphabet appear in ord
Proper 7/Pentecost 5/Ordinary Time 12 -- Psalm 133 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2006
This little gem of a psalm celebrates the joy of unity among comrades in the faith.
Easter 6 -- Psalm 98 -- Stan Purdum -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
(See Christmas Day, Cycles A and B, for alternative approaches.)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Stan Purdum -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2006
Both Psalms 47 and 93 (the alternative psalm for this day) are enthronement psalms, praise hymns cel
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Psalm 93 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Ascension Of Our Lord, Cycle A, for an alt
Easter 7 -- Psalm 1 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
Psalm 1 has long been considered as a possible prologue to the rest of the psalter.
The Day Of Pentecost -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- James Evans -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternat
The Holy Trinity -- Psalm 29 -- Stan Purdum -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary for The Baptism Of Our Lord/Epiphany 1/Ordinary Tim
Good Friday -- Psalm 22 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Good Friday - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Good Friday, Cycle A; Lent 2, Cycle B; and Pro

Stories

SermonStudio

Fruit Punch, A Poppy Seed Muffin, And A Bar -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with
From Suffering To Hope -- Romans 5:1-8 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance
How Insignificant? -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
King Thrushbeard -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. (v.
Rest For The Weary -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs
How Big Is He? -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voic
Come, Thou Almighty King -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with
Identifying With Suffering -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham.
Welcome To The Family -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

How Long, O LORD? -- Psalm 13 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
Fools Say .... There Is No God -- Psalm 14 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God."
O Lord, Who May Abide In Your Tent? -- Psalm 15 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right
Protect Me, O God -- Psalm 16 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I keep the LORD always before me;
Hear A Just Cause, O LORD -- Psalm 17 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge
I Love You, O LORD -- Psalm 18 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help ...
The Heavens Are Telling The Glory Of God -- Psalm 19 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
The LORD Answers You In The Day Of Trouble -- Psalm 20 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Now I know that the LORD will help his anointed;
In Your Strength The King Rejoices -- Psalm 21 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
You have given him his heart's desire ...
My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? -- Psalm 22 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? ...

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

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Spirituality

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Easter

Lent/Easter

Church Growth

Sacrament

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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...
Easter 5
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
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

Richard E. Gribble, CSC
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents purchased for him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedroom. Before this, whenever Charlie needed to use a mirror, he went to the bathroom, but there he was only able to see his head and possibly his shoulders. When he got dressed up he used his parents' full-length mirror in their bedroom. Charlie was happy with his new mirror; he spent many hours in front of it.
Elizabeth Achtemeier
There is a strange belief abroad in our land at the present time, the belief that we cannot know God. Such a belief rises partly from a feeling of awe before the divine -- the feeling that God is so unfathomable, so other, so beyond our feeble understanding that we cannot possibly experience who he truly is in all of his fullness and perfection. And perhaps that is the reason that the Athenians have erected that idol "to an unknown God" that Paul encounters when he visits their city. They know that there is a god beyond them, but they cannot define him or name him.
Stan Purdum
(See Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-12.)

Psalm 66 is a song of communal thanksgiving, probably composed to celebrate some national deliverance. Because of the personal language of verses 13-20, there is some speculation that this psalm was originally two hymns, but as it stands, it contains a combination of corporate and personal prayers, both appropriate in worship.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E, L)
Schuyler Rhodes
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan? Do you make your commitments and focus your energies on one thing, but have an alternative in mind just in case things don't work out with the first one? You might call it "Plan B" or something else, but basically you're hedging your bets and covering yourself in case the situation goes south.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was still in the middle of his farewell discourse to his disciples. He was trying to comfort the despair that they were feeling when they had first heard the news (during the last supper) that Jesus would be leaving them (John 13:21, 33; 14:1). He had comforted them with the good news that he was on the way to God the Father, that in associating with Jesus, the disciples had been in fellowship with the Father (John 14:6-11). Whoever believed in him, Jesus said, would be able to do the works that he had done, even greater works (John 14:12).
Albert G. Butzer, III
Here are two statements about the world. Tell me if both of them ring true for you. The first of them is this: "The world is a beautiful place." And the second statement is this: "The world is a terrible and dangerous place." Both statements are true - don't you agree? - and yet, ironically, they seem to say the exact opposite thing. How much easier it would be to affirm one statement or the other, but not both.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contribution to humanity will live on in the minds of many under a different title, "The Birdman of Alcatraz." By nature, Robert Stroud was not a congenial man. As a youth he was always getting into fights, disagreements, and various altercations. When he was only nineteen he killed a man in a barroom brawl, was convicted of second--degree murder, and was sentenced to the Federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, since the crime was committed on Federal land.
Richard W. Ferris
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ. On a particular Saturday afternoon, the sexton was making one final check of the choir and organ loft high in the balcony at the back of the church. As he was making his inspection, he was startled to hear footsteps echoing up the stone stairway behind him. He thought the doors were all locked and that no one else was in the church. He turned to see a man in slightly tattered traveling clothes coming toward him.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Acts 17:22-31
Theme: To A Known God

Call To Worship
Leader: God is a known God who continually gives us evidence of presence.
People: God is a knowable God who extends to us the hand of hope.
All: Come, let us worship God. Amen.

Collect
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Our Cities Cry To You, O God (PH437)
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (PH376, UM384, LBW315, NCH43)
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (PH321, UM465)
There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit (PH398, UM334)
Thy Holy Wings, O Savior (UM502)
Come Down, O Love Divine (LBW508, NCH289, PH313)
O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee (OBW492, NCH502, PH357)
My Song Is Love Unknown (LBW94, NCH222, PH76)

Anthems
Praise The Lord, Service Music, Hal Hopson, CGA, Unison 2--part

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 10, 2026:

StoryShare

John Fitzgerald
Contents
"Reason for Hope" by John Fitzgerald

Reason for Hope
by John Fitzgerald
1 Peter 3:13-22

Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the classic Little House on the Prairie series neared an end to her
life. At this juncture she penned an essay about hope in face of the constant current of change. Here is an excerpt from that writing: 
Frank Ramirez
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Always Be Ready" by Frank Ramirez
"Looking for God" by Peter Andrew Smith
"A Gentle Profession" by Peter Andrew Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for the Sixth Sunday of Easter direct us to sermons on the great things God’s love does, appreciating in two cases this love’s cosmic character (especially leading to a stress on justification by grace). This is an appropriate theme with the festival of the Ascension in view, which celebrates Christ’s almighty power and cosmic vindication. 

Acts 17:22-31
William H. Shepherd
Schuyler Rhodes
In Garret Kreizer's novel, God of Beer (2002), the high school social studies teacher tells the class about Gandhi's assertion that if God ever came to India, he'd have to come as bread, in order to get the attention of the starving peasants. The teacher then asks the class what form God would have to take in order to get the attention of their high school. "Beer," says one student. "Yeah," another chimes in, "it's the only thing to do around here."

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

CSSPlus

Hi there, boys and girls! How many of you have rules that you have to follow at home? (show of hands) What are some of the rules you have? (let them tell you) What about at school? Do you have rules there? What are they? (let them tell you)

Why should we even have rules? (see what they think) I think we have rules because it makes it easier for us to be together. If we are all kind to each other, we will all be happier. If there are rules, then maybe people will fight less.

Special Occasion

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