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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:49-56 Theme: The Real Weather Channel
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Theme: Too Many Excuses
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 12:18-29 Theme: This Is Doable!
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17 Theme: Joy In Healing
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 2:4-13 Theme: Memory Aid Call To Worship
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Theme: Just A Brief Word, Please
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 14:1, 7-14 Theme: First, Last, And Always
Proper 18/Ordinary Time 23 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 18:1-11 Theme: Pottery Lesson
Proper 18/Ordinary Time 23 -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philemon 1-21 Theme: Refresh My Guts In Christ
Proper 18/Ordinary Time 23 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 14:25-33 Theme: Hiring The Right Architect

Drama

SermonStudio

Fishin' -- John 21:1-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Know your Savior and do exactly what he tells you to do.Summary
Doubters All -- John 10:22-30 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Believe in Jesus.Summary
Doubters All, Part II -- John 13:31-35 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Trust Jesus.Summary
Doubters All, Part III -- John 14:23-29 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Love Jesus.Summary
Doubters All, Part IV -- John 17:20-26 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Follow Jesus.Summary
Baptism -- Robert F. Crowley -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1997
ThemeWhat is the worth of Baptism?Summary
Wedding Wine -- John 2:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1997
ThemeWeddings and marriages need Jesus.Summary
The Body -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1997
Theme
Jesus? Where? -- Luke 4:21-32 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1997
Theme Why do we come to church?Summary
A Fish Story -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1997
Theme What is so compelling about the words of Jesus that changes people's lives?

Sermon

SermonStudio

Jesus At Home -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
When he [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Due For Renewal -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Every pastor, on occasion, feels the need to remind a congregation that we need not fear things that
Looking Up: Looking Out -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Robert J. Elder -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
This passage serves as a gift to the church as we prepare to enter into the season of Lent beginning
Clearing Out The Pipes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John S. Smylie -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent, is a time when we have an opportunity to squarely fa
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! -- Mark 1:9-15 -- John S. Smylie -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Mark doesn't waste any time getting us involved in the beginning of our Lord's ministry.
The Elephant In The Living Room -- Mark 8:31-38 -- John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
There are times when we do everything we can to avoid the obvious.
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.
The Serpent -- John 3:14-21 -- John S. Smylie -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Growing up in the northeast, I didn't have a lot of exposure to snakes.
We Wish To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus" (v. 21).
Disintegration And Reintegration -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- John S. Smylie -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Today's reading is the longest assigned reading that we have the entire year.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Fishers Of Men -- Matthew 4:19 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you children have ever been on a fishing trip?
The Shepherd Cares For His Sheep -- Isaiah 40:11 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls.
Christ Comes Into Our Hearts -- 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Matthew 5:8 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. (Show heart symbol.) What is this symbol?
Baptism/Dedication -- Proverbs 22:6, Mark 10:14 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls.
Be A Doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Erskine White -- 1997
Last week we talked about ghosts and how hard it was for even Jesus’ best friends to believe that He
Old And New -- Matthew 25:6-7 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Don't you love the first day of school!
Growing Up -- Ephesians 3:17,19 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Have any of you received some new clothes this year?
Don't Throw It Away! -- Ephesians 2:4-6, 10 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: This morning I brought something with me that we probably use every day of our lives.
Black And White -- 1 John 1:9-11 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many of you are good at coloring?
You're Not Too Young -- Jeremiah 1:4-7 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: I. Today we are going to talk about the things we do as we start to get older.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Miracles -- Psalm 78:12-16 -- 2006
He did miracles in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.
Seize The Day -- Psalm 90:1-6, 12-17 -- 2006
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
Vengeance/Injustice/Anger -- Psalm 94 -- 2006
O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.
Help/Strength/Comfort -- Psalm 121 -- 2006
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?
Hardship/Overcoming Hardship -- Psalm 129 -- 2006
They have greatly oppressed me from my youth -- let Israel say -- they have greatly oppressed me
God Knows Us/God Is Always With Us -- Psalm 139 -- 2006
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
God's Selfless Love -- Matthew 5:38-45a -- 2006
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resi
The Healing Power Of Jesus/Death As A Healing -- Matthew 14:35-36 -- 2006
And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country.
On Being Ready -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- 2006
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Fa
Access To God -- Mark 15:33-39 -- 2006
At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Stories

SermonStudio

Almost In Heaven -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
In 1977, about ten years before she died, I asked my grandmother, Nellie Jane Kittle Sumwalt, then i
Don't Just Stand There! -- Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judith M. Evenden -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
It happened thirty years ago. I am standing at the graveside of my grandmother, my father's mother.
Abounding In Steadfast Love -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Our son, Lloyd, died on May 4, 1997.
Remember Your Baptism -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
It was 1984. I was sitting in the front row in a classroom in Nashville, listening to Dr.
Visions Of Christ -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Linda Nafziger-meiser -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
In 1982-86, my husband and I lived in the Shenandoah Valley near Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Chosen As Witnesses -- Acts 10:34-43 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
Our first grandchild died two months shy of his fourth birthday.
Holy Coincidences -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee Domann -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
My mother's only brother died in March, 1983, in a car/train accident. I was devastated.
The Other End Of The Barrel -- Acts 9:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Shirley Lochowitz -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seven years ago, I was working as a police officer for the Town of Caledonia Police Department.
Life-giving Plasma -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Harold Weaver -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
In August of 1966, I visited Germany.
A Call To Ministry -- Acts 11:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Nancy Nichols -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
I joined the church when I was in junior high school.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

The LORD Is King -- Psalm 93 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty ...
O LORD, You God Of Vengeance ... Shine Forth! -- Psalm 94 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Rise up, O judge of the earth ... how long shall the wicked exult? ...
O Come, Let Us Sing To The LORD! -- Psalm 95 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O come, let us sing to the LORD;
O Sing To The LORD A New Song -- Psalm 96 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD all the earth.
The LORD Is King! Let The Earth Rejoice -- Psalm 97 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad ...
O Sing To The LORD A New Song -- Psalm 98 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
The LORD Is King; Let The Peoples Tremble -- Psalm 99 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is king; let the peoples tremble! Mighty King, lover of justice ...
Make A Joyful Noise To The LORD -- Psalm 100 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing ...
I Will Sing Of Loyalty And Of Justice -- Psalm 101 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I will study the way that is blameless. When shall I attain it? ...
Hear My Prayer, O LORD -- Psalm 102 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
My heart is stricken and withered like grass; I am too wasted to eat my bread ...

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

Youth Resources

Monologues

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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...
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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