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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Theme: Disaster!
Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Theme: Immortal, Invisible
Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-10 Theme: Looking To Find
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 Theme: Real Relief
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Theme: Pray For Who?
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:1-13 Theme: Follow The Money
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Theme: The Long Term
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Theme: A Few Of My Favorite Things
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:19-31 Theme: Pay Close Attention
Proper 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Lamentations 1:1-6 Theme: The Real 9/11

Drama

SermonStudio

The Rules -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1997
Theme
Cost Analysis -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1997
ThemeJesus asks so much of us, but he gave so much for us.
House On Sand -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1997
Theme Our lives have to be built on the foundation of Jesus.
Temptation -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Robert F. Crowley -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Theme
The Narrow Door -- Luke 13:22-35 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Theme
Unfair -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
ThemeQuit complaining about your life. Repent and trust God.Summary
Documentary: The Wasteful Son -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Theme
Factions -- Luke 20:9-19 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
ThemeChrist is the head of the Church and must be honored and obeyed.
The Tower Of Babel -- Genesis 11:1-9 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1997
Theme
The Race -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme

Sermon

SermonStudio

For The Life Of Betsy D. I. Smylie -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John S. Smylie -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2008
For many thousands of years, men and women of myriad tongues and races have gathered underneath the
Silence And Darkness -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John S. Smylie -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Looking For Jesus? -- John 20:1-18 -- John S. Smylie -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
The Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!
Speaking Peace -- John 20:19-31 -- John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
On the evening of that day, that first Easter Day, the disciples were gathered together, but as yet
The Five Senses -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
In the gospel text there is an opportunity to meet Jesus, using every one of our senses.
Fred And Barney -- John 10:11-18 -- John S. Smylie -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
I grew up in the suburbs, in a community outside of lower Manhattan.
Weed And Feed -- John 15:1-8 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
I think some people are natural-born gardeners.
The Little Golf Club -- John 15:9-17 -- John S. Smylie -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Our Lord's new commandment, to love one another as he has loved us, is easier said than done.
The Logical Conclusion -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John S. Smylie -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
For several years, I had the privilege of serving a congregation in upstate New York.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words -- John 17:6-19 -- John S. Smylie -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Actions and words are both important, but sometimes actions do speak louder than words.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Used Up -- Isaiah 26:4 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: This morning I would like to talk with you about things that seem to run out at just the wr
Many Parts - One Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: The other day I was thinking about how quickly all of you are growing up!
Getting Stronger -- Exodus 15:2 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many of you think you are strong? Do you have big muscles? Okay, let me take a look.
How Much Do You Want? -- Proverbs 16:3 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many of you like to go out to eat?
Creating -- Genesis 1:1-2 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do any of you take art as one of your classes in school?
Spaghetti -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do you like spaghetti?
Be Still -- Psalm 46:11 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: What are some of the noisiest places you can think of?
Our Senses -- Luke 2:30-31 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Today we are going to talk about the ways God created us so that we could experience the wo
Mail -- John 10:2-4 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do you like to get mail?
It's True! -- John 20:25 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Let me tell you one of my favorite fish stories!

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

The Humble Exalted -- 2006
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has be
The Glorification Of The Christian -- Luke 9:28-36 -- 2006
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a
Why Seek The Living Among The Dead? -- Luke 24:1-9 -- 2006
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepa
Our Hearts Are Slow To Accept The Resurrection -- Luke 24:13-27 -- 2006
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerus
Darkness Does Not Overcome Light/Death Does Not Overcome Life -- John 1:1-5 -- 2006
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The Water Of This Life Changed Into The Wine Of The Next -- John 2:1-11 -- 2006
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee.
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:22-40 -- 2006
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one b
We Can Trust Jesus' Words -- John 7:14-17 -- 2006
Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach.
Do We Really Believe? -- John 11:20-27 -- 2006
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
Love One Another -- John 13:33-35 -- 2006
"My children, I will be with you only a little longer.

Stories

SermonStudio

God's Prodding Fork -- Acts 16:9-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay Boone Stewart -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
A silver dining fork hangs against dark blue, crushed velvet in an antique, gold box frame in my off
Seeing The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
Much of my Christian experience has come through the "School of Hard Knocks," better known as prison
The Call Of God -- Luke 4:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Roy H. Nelson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
I had been struggling with the call to the ordained ministry for several years.
How Can I Do This? -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kai M. Mcclinton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
In 1995, at the age of 25, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
I Saw The Lord -- Isaiah 6:1-8, 9-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bill Penaz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
In 1965, I attended a Lenten worship service at my church.
The Gift Of Trees -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Pamela J. Tinnin -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
I remember the first time I planted trees.
God Stories -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Snyder Stout -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
My father was my life, and in 1989 he and Mom came to live with me, literally to die.
Is It Possible To Forgive After Murder? -- Luke 23:32-49 -- John E. Sumwalt, Aba Gayle -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
The first time I walked into the visiting room for death row inmates at San Quentin State Prison was
Angel, You Are -- Psalm 91 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kerri Sherwood -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
It's not that I ever feel that my brother is far away.
Deliverance -- Psalm 27 -- John E. Sumwalt, Laura Hoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
There was a time when my husband and I were very poor.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Bless The LORD, O My Soul -- Psalm 103 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless The LORD, O My Soul ... You Are Very Great -- Psalm 104 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
You stretch out the heavens like a tent ...
O Give Thanks To The LORD, Call On His Name -- Psalm 105 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Make known his deeds among the peoples ... Seek the LORD and his strength;
Praise The LORD, O Give Thanks -- Psalm 106 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or declare all his praise? ...
O Give Thanks To The LORD, For He Is Good -- Psalm 107 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
My Heart Is Steadfast, O God -- Psalm 108 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
My heart is steadfast, I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul ...
Do Not Be Silent, O God Of My Praise -- Psalm 109 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me ...
The LORD Says To My Lord -- Psalm 110 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD says to my lord, "Sit at my right hand
Praise The LORD! I Will Give Thanks With My Whole Heart -- Psalm 111 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
Praise The LORD! Happy Are Those Who Fear The LORD -- Psalm 112 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD,

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...
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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