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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? ...

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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

Schuyler Rhodes
This story about Stephen is a hard one to preach about these days. Lately, the idea of martyrdom has fallen under a bit of a cloud, don't you think? What do you think of when you hear about martyrs? In my experience, a martyr is either reduced to a psychological complex foisted off on someone who does too much for others, or it's a poor child with a dynamite vest ready to doom himself or herself and plenty of others for the sake of the cause, and the cash benefits paid to the family, after the fact. There's no question about it. The stock on martyrdom is way, way down these days.
David E. Leininger
"Christ is our cornerstone!" That motto was chosen over a century ago for the congregation I now serve. It was October 29, 1895, at 2:30 in the afternoon, that the grandparents and great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the forebears of today's congregation, gathered outside in Pennsylvania's autumn chill to see the laying of the cornerstone of the church building that has been in use ever since.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.

First Lesson
Acts 7:55-60
The Stoning Of Stephen
Derl G. Keefer
C. Neil Strait
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
God is ready to swoop down and rescue us from the burdens we carry and to lift the heart aches! Our God has known us since birth through old age and gray hair and He will sustain us today!

OFFERING THOUGHT
The secret of money is enjoying the opportunity of giving it away for the glory of God.

BENEDICTION
May the God who transforms disappointments to joy do that for you this week. Amen.



SERMON BRIEFS

Holiness, The Trademark Of A Holy Person
Lee Griess
The great American humorist, Will Rogers, had the reputation that he could make anyone laugh. President Calvin Coolidge, on the other hand, had the reputation that he never laughed. Want to know what happened the time those two met? Rogers was invited to visit the White House and as was the custom, the president's assistant brought Rogers into the Oval Office. As was the custom as he entered, the assistant said, "President Coolidge, this is Will Rogers. Mr. Rogers, this is President Coolidge." To which Rogers leaned forward and said, "I'm sorry.
Richard L. Sheffield
Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14:1 NRSV).

Since everything that follows for the rest of the passage I just read from John is commentary on that, we need to hear that clearly, before we hear anything else.

This is the closest English can get to the Greek of John's Gospel: "Let not be troubled of you the heart; Believe in God, also in me believe."1

And here are the translations of others who have listened and interpreted these words for you and me:
Robert J. Elder
In the earliest experience of the church, the apostles soon discovered that their teaching and preaching duties were taking an incredible amount of energy. As the community of believers grew in numbers, and they continued in their commitment to hold all things in common, it became obvious that some details of the life of the community would need more attention than the twelve apostles themselves could give. It was decided to appoint deacons to serve the needs of the church, particularly the needs of the poor and widows who could no longer care for themselves. Seven were appointed.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Forgiveness
P: We gather for worship in the name of the one who is
the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Amen.
P: The journey before us is one of letting go and taking hold.
As he prepares a place for us,
let us name the sin that clings to us, that we may find release.

Silence for reflection and self-examination

P: Unbelief, hatred, revenge,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
P: Gossip, despair, deceit,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Psalm 31:15-16)

One: My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

All: Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.


Collect
 Strengthen us, Lord, in the time of testing and trial, calling to mind the example of the martyrs who died for our faith. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For May 3, 2026:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
It is hard for us, living after the resurrection, to understand how Jesus, who was clearly a mortal man, could come to be worshipped as though he were God. Since we believe that Jesus did rise from the dead, we tend to endow his ministry with a divine glow. How could the authorities not see that Jesus was, indeed, the son of God? How did they explain away his miracles? How did they ignore how the average people felt about him?
David Kalas
What do you do between Act 2 and Act 3 of a performance? That depends upon who you are.

If you are like me, then you have attended a great many more shows, plays, and performances than you have participated in. And, as members of the audience, the time between acts is an intermission -- an opportunity to stretch your legs, to use the restroom, to enjoy some refreshments.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." In our worship today, let us explore these words and find out how to reach God through Jesus.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, show me the right way to God.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, lead me into the truth about God.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, give me the eternal life which you have promised.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Keith Hewitt
Scott Dalgarno
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Encounter in the Darkness" by Keith Hewitt
"Please Don't Forget Me" by Scott Dalgarno
"An Unwanted Gift" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
Peter Andrew Smith
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Words of Power" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Refuge" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


Words of Power
by Peter Andrew Smith
Acts 7:55-60

The principal looked at the boy holding the cloth up to his nose. His hair was dishevelled, his lip swollen, and his clothes bore the stains of the muddy playground. The nurse examined him but his bleeding nostrils seemed his greatest injury.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. (Show the rubbing of the cornerstone.) Does anyone know what I'm holding? (Let them answer.) This is a rubbing of the cornerstone of our church building. (Read to them what the cornerstone says. Tell them where the cornerstone is located.) I hope that when church is over this morning you can go out and look at and touch the real cornerstone. Cornerstones are very important. Does anyone know the purpose of a cornerstone? (Let them answer.) It's important because it is at the very foundation of our building. The church building is built on top of it.
Good morning, boys and girls. (Have your road map opened as you talk. Examine the map as you greet the children.) If I wanted to take a trip to (name a familiar city in your area) but I wasn't certain how to get there, what could I use to help me? (Let them answer.) A road map! I just happen to have one here. I'm looking for my direction right now. (Point out the way to your destination.) When you go on vacation do your parents sometimes give you road maps to follow? (Let them answer.) A road map is very important when you are going places that you've never been before.

Special Occasion

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