Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Worship

SermonStudio

Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 16:9-15 Theme: A Dream For Salvation
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 Theme: Game Over
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 14:23-29 Theme: I Need A Hero
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11 Theme: View From A Height
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23 Theme: That's Him!
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 24:44-53 Theme: Why Do We Wonder?
What Must We Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 Theme: A Promise Is A Promise
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- John 17:20-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 17:20-26 Theme: That We May All Be One
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 2:1-21 Theme: Clarity!

Drama

SermonStudio

A Light Verse -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
ThemeDoes knowing Jesus change a person's life?Summary
The Lesser Commission -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
ThemeDoubting what the Lord says is not a recent phenomenon.
Orders Are Orders -- Luke 2:1-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
Theme
Saturday Night At The Fights -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Marriage, marriage battles, dysfunctional couples, relationships, arguments
Get With The Program -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Ambitions, organization, potential, career, budgeting
Born Leader -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Unselfishness, head of church, leadership, ministry teams, servanthood, dictator
Fruit Or Twinkies? -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Fulfillment through the fruit of the spiritCharacters: Husband and wife
Here I Am, Lord; Send Somebody Else! -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Missions, inner-city, summer missionsCharacters: 4
Pass The Buck -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Responsibility of knowing Christ, salvation, temptation, evangelism
Everybody Plugs Into Something -- Timothy W. Ayers -- 1998
Topic: Salvation

Sermon

SermonStudio

Let The Shofar Sound! -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ken Lentz -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
The school bell rings. The noonday siren sounds. The church bells call the faithful to worship.
Troubled Waters -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Ken Lentz -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
A man from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, died and went to heaven.
The Divine Deal ... -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Ken Lentz -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
The priest challenged the rabbi at lunch: "Rabbi Cohen, when are you going to eat a piece of this de
God, The Good Ally -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Ken Lentz -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
A group of American tourists once listened to a story told by their Jewish guide.
Hope Lifted Up -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Ken Lentz -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
It was a mystery.
The Last Compact -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Ken Lentz -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
A man, seriously ill in the hospital, requested a visit from his pastor.
Who Is Isaiah's Servant? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Ken Lentz -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
A man had three small children, all three old enough to enjoy the activities of Halloween.
Thanks For The Memories! -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Ken Lentz -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2008
The dark of the night began to turn to the gray of morning.
A Death On A Long Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ken Lentz -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
After dying in a car crash, three friends went to heaven for orientation.
Death Meets The Lord -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Ken Lentz -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
The writer quoted in Isaiah 25 promises that an unlikely victory will occur.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

The Right Thing To Do -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
There are many ways to tell if you're growing up. One way is to measure how tall you've gotten.
Learning To Behave -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Does anyone know what this is? (Hold up hair spray. Children respond.) It's hair spray.
New Year -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. I have a very special (watch or clock) with me today.
Saint Valentine, Bishop Of Love -- 1 Chronicles 28:9 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know what a tradition is?
Saint Patrick, Missionary -- Matthew 28:19 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. Today I want to tell you an adventure story!
Thinking About The Cross -- Matthew 10:38, Luke 9:23 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls.
Triumphal Entry -- Matthew 21:9, Luke 19:28-40 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. I love a parade! Don't you?
He Is ALIVE! -- Matthew 28:1-8, Luke 24:1-12 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
He is alive! He is alive! He is alive!
Forgiveness Of Sins -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, 1 John 1:7 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. Ever make a mistake? I've made a great many in my lifetime.
Careful With Those Lips -- Isaiah 6:5 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6 -- Psalm 30 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2006
(For alternative approaches, see Easter 3, Cycle C, and Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Ordinary Time 14, Cy
Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 41 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2006
This psalm is often identified as a prayer of individual thanksgiving but it reads more as a plea fo
Epiphany 8/Ordinary Time 8 -- Psalm 103:1-13, 22 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2006
This is one of those psalms whose words have become so familiar from liturgical usage that they run
Christmas Day -- Psalm 98 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see also Christmas, Cycle A, and Easter 6, Cycle B
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 148 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas 1, Cycle A; Christmas 1, Cycle C; an
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2006
This psalm was likely written for the people of Jerusalem after their return from exile (see vv.
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see also The Epiphany Of Our Lord, Cycle A, for an
The Baptism Of Our Lord/Epiphany 1/Ordinary Time 1 -- Psalm 29 -- James Evans -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Baptism Of Our Lord/Epiphany 1/Ordinary Ti
Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2006
(See Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9, Cycle B for an alternative approach; see also Proper 1
Advent 3 -- Psalm 126 -- James Evans -- 2006
There is perhaps no greater challenge to the life of faith than suffering.

Stories

SermonStudio

Notes From A Nomad -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Marti Guixe is homeless -- unless you call the world his home.
The Hated Blessed -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
I don't feel blessed when I am mildly disliked, let alone hated.
The Peacemaker -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
You have to admire those men and women who serve as peacemakers in trouble spots around the globe.
How Helen Raster Came Back To Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Pastors love to have church members like Helen Raster.
Tipping Etiquette -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
I don't frequent fine restaurants regularly, but occasionally I will visit an establishment that com
Famous Last Words -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
You'd think that when famous people die, they ought to leave us some final word, a last word, if you
Hasta La Vista, Baby! -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
The Marines have been in the headlines in recent years, and the publicity has not always been positi
Flash-in-the-pan Christians -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Back in the good old days of the dotconomy, people were making money hand over fist in what Alan Gre
The Adversity Antidote -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Dr. Charles J.
Cleaning Up After The Bomb -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
On March 27, 2002, at a little after 7 p.m., a young Palestinian male sauntered into the lobby of th

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Vindicate Me, O God, And Defend My Cause -- Psalm 43 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;
We Have Heard With Our Ears, O God -- Psalm 44 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
We have heard with our ears, O God, our ancestors have told us,
My Heart Overflows With A Goodly Theme -- Psalm 45 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I address my verses to the king ... In your majesty ride on victoriously
God Is Our Refuge And Strength -- Psalm 46 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Clap Your Hands, All You Peoples -- Psalm 47 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy.
Great Is The LORD And Greatly To Be Praised -- Psalm 48 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God.
Hear This, All You Peoples -- Psalm 49 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Hear this, all you peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
The Mighty One, God The LORD, Speaks -- Psalm 50 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The mighty one, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth ...
Have Mercy On Me, O God -- Psalm 51 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
Why Do You Boast, O Mighty One? -- Psalm 52 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Why do you boast, O mighty one, of mischief done against the godly? ...

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

Faith Development

Bible Study

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

Church Growth

Sacrament

Healing

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...
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

Wildcard SSL