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Worship

SermonStudio

Come, Ye Thankful People -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Thanksgiving
Celebrate The Trinity -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Trinity Sunday
In Search Of Love -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Hymn Service Of Words On Love For Valentine's Day Or Family Day
The Way To The Manger -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
Time To Clean Up -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Sounds Great, But We're Busy -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 126) One:
Third Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Theme: Repairing Ancient Ruins
Theme: The Lord Needs No House -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Reunion -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Isaiah 25:9)
Theme: It Is Not For You To Know -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 93)

Drama

SermonStudio

Journey To Rome & Paul's Last Days -- Marion Fairman -- 1993
Woman: So Paul, it was Festus and Agrippa who sent you off on your fourth journey.
The Prodigal Son -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
So he returned home to his father.
The Great Feast -- Luke 14:24 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
The Ten Virgins -- Matthew 25:10-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
The Unprofitable Servant -- Matthew 25:19, 21, 26 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
The Parable Of The Sower (Soil) -- Mark 4:3, 5, 7, 8 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:Mr. Sower -- the soil is now ready.
The Wicked Husbandmen -- Mark 12:6-7, 9 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 1993
The Devil's Advocate:
Waiting -- John 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersChurch Secretary: either sex and any age older than college
The Committee -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersJanet Jason: female, older than college age
Cooking With Carol -- John 6:24-35, John 6:35, 41-51 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersAnnouncer: either sex, very friendly, warms up the audience for Carol

Sermon

SermonStudio

Interceding For Us Now -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
Heads bowed, hands clasped, the words are spoken softly and gently.
Admitting The Real Truth -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
It does seem a bit unfair, putting me in the same category as Hitler, Stalin, or some of our more re
Wiping Away The Tears -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Patrick J. Rooney -- All Saints Day - B -- 2008
It is one line. A few words cast upon a sea of words.
The Eternal Sanctuary -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2008
It happens week after week, sometimes day after day.
Hope On The Day Of Judgment -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Standing in the parlor at church that day was not unlike the many other occasions when I had attende
The Perfect Sacrifice -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
They came day after day in a steady stream, entering the temple with a mixture of excitement and ant
Long Live The King -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
I was just a little shy of my fifth birthday, so all the images are not completely clear.
The Great Thanksgiving -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Patrick J. Rooney -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
It is not only Thanksgiving Day, but a day of thanksgiving.
Christmas Construction -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Ancient Babylon is the setting for our text.
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Years ago, a wise teacher of preachers advised us to prepare our sermons with the Bible in one hand

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Learning From Riddles -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: Learning to take care of ourselves.
The Sawhorse -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show that even simple things can be used to serve God.
Wave The Flags -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To think about what it means to say, "One nation under God."
The Cover -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress the importance of Bible reading.
The Need For Balance -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress the need for a balanced life and for personal responsibility for it.
Listening To The Whistle -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To show the need to put into practice what we learn.
What Shall We Be? -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To stress the importance of what a child learns in the early years.
Patience In Learning -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To remind children that patience is an essential part of life.
How God Is Heard Today -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To help children understand one way whereby God speaks to people today.
The Spoiled Child -- Kenneth A. Mortonson -- 1993
Purpose: To focus on one way that we learn from God.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24 -- Psalm 14 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 18/Pentecost 16/Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
(See Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2, Cycle B, and Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9, Cycle B; see
Proper 17/Pentecost 15/Ordinary Time 22 -- Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
The writer of Psalm 81 employs a most interesting mixed metaphor.
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
The little-known book of Lamentations was likely composed in the ashes of Jerusalem, following the B
Proper 22/Pentecost 20/Ordinary Time 27 -- Psalm 137 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
This psalm's opening verses are among the most recognizable for understanding the experience of a wo
Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28 -- Psalm 66:1-12 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
(See Easter 6, Cycle A for an alternative approach to vv. 8-20.)
Proper 24/Pentecost 22/Ordinary Time 29 -- Psalm 119:97-104 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Psalm 119 is well-known as the longest chapter in the Bible.
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 / Pentecost 20 -- Psalm 65 -- James Evans -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
(See Thanksgiving Day, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 26/Pentecost 24/Ordinary Time 31 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
The psalmist exuberantly expresses his sense of joy and love for God's Law.
All Saints -- Psalm 149 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
(See Proper 18/Pentecost 16/Ordinary Time 23, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Stories

SermonStudio

From Chaos To Harmony -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
The children - aged nine through thirteen - were milling around waiting for the old school bell that
So Unnecessary! -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Some things are beyond understanding - especially when a loss of life is preventable.
Grace Upon Grace -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Laura Fischer is growing up to be a lovely young lady. She is an example of grace and perseverance.
The Reason For The Season -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Aunt Carla is adamant about her celebration of Christmas. It can only be one way.
Candlelight At Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
The church year is dictated not by a fiscal or chronological calendar, but a religious calendar that
The Viking Bachelor -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
In 1948 there lived a group of bachelors in the small Minnesota town of Viking.
A Great Prophet And A Great Dad -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
John the Baptist was the real thing, a great prophet.
Angels Among Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Books and magazines are filled with people's encounters with "angels": people who give selflessly, p
The Fullness Of Life -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Some in our generation grew up hearing about World War II.
A Prayer And A Blessing -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Pastor Wallace was loved by many, many people.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 8 / OT 8 -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on yo
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me.
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are n
Epiphany 9 / OT 9 -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2007
Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seven
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Psalm 2 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? -- Psalm 2:1
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. -- 2 Peter 1:17
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, o
Lent 1 -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
"Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "W

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.
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