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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:9-14 Theme: Last First, First Last, Always
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Theme: In Letters Big Enough To Read
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 Theme: Real Churches Get Heat
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 19:1-10 Theme: What's It Worth To Ya?
Proper 27/Ordinary Time 32 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Haggai 1:15b--2:9 Theme: You Ain't See Nothin' Yet!
First Tomato, First Apple, First Fruits -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Proper 27/Ordinary Time 32 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 20:27-38 Theme: Smart Aleck Questions, Smart Answers
Proper 28/Ordinary Time 33 -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25 Theme: Sweeping Changes
Proper 28/Ordinary Time 33 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Theme: Idleness Versus Sabbath
Proper 28/Ordinary Time 33 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 21:5-19 Theme: Are You Ready? Are We Ready?

Drama

SermonStudio

Waltzing With Coyotes -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1997
ThemeLoving your enemy is not as easy as it sounds.Summary
Reward Time -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1997
Theme
Dives And Lazarus -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1997
Theme
Faith -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1997
ThemeWhat is the basis of faith?Summary
Face-Lift -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1997
Theme
Prayer Power -- Luke 18:1-8a -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1997
ThemePrayers have more power than we realize.Summary
Guilt And Shame -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1997
ThemeThere is plenty to be guilty about. We all are sinners.
Mr. Roberts Meets The Master -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1997
ThemeDo whatever it takes to get close to Jesus.Summary
Super Christian IV -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1997
ThemeYour ministry at home is more important than your ministry at church.
Perseverance -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1997
ThemePersecution will come. How will we fare? With faith?Summary

Sermon

SermonStudio

When The Impossible Becomes Imminently Possible! -- John 6:1-21 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2008
He already had in mind what he was going to do. -- John 6:6
Soul Bread! -- John 6:24-35 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2008
I am the bread of life.
Planning Your Way Out -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. -- John 6:47
When The Baker Becomes The Bread! -- John 6:51-58 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world ...
Tough Talk For Tentative Disciples -- John 6:56-69 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it? -- John 6:60
The Heart Of The Matter Is The Heart! -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
The Inconcealable Christ! -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
He could not keep his presence secret. -- Mark 7:24
The Great Inescapable Question Of Eternity -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
Who do you say I am? -- Mark 8:29
The Way Up Is Down! -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the
Right-Handed Sinners! -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. -- Mark 9:44

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Time Flies -- Psalm 103:15, 17 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Have you noticed how sometimes the time seems to fly by very quickly and you hardly believe
Food For All -- Luke 9:16-17 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do any of you like to go to the grocery store?
We Belong To God -- 1 John 3:1 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Can you think back to the time when you first realized that something you had at your house
Fishers Of Men -- Matthew 4:18-20 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do any of you want to go fishing?
Tears -- Revelation 21:3-4 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Can you remember the last time you cried about something?
Follow Through -- Luke 14:28-30 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: What would say to someone who always stopped doing something half way through?
Yesterday, Today, Forever -- Hebrews 13:8 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Have any of you learned about events that happened a long time ago in history?
Sandwiches -- Matthew 25:18 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: This morning we are going to discuss sandwiches.
Living Water -- John 7:37-38 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do you remember those hot days in the summer when you just can't seem to cool off?
Sing A New Song -- Psalm 96:1-2 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Today we are really going to have a great time!

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Rescued From The Wrath To Come -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- 2006
Paul, Silas and Timothy,
Fighting The Good Fight -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8 -- 2006
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.
New Birth -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- 2006
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Endurance And Perseverance -- Revelation 2:1-11 -- 2006
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
Tribulation Leads To Joy/The Rewards Of Faithfulness -- Revelation 7:13-17 -- 2006
Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes -- who are they, and where did they come f
Spiritual Hunger Satisfied/Tears Wiped Away -- Revelation 21:1-8 -- 2006
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away
Streets Of Gold/Beauty In The Next Life -- Revelation 21:9-27 -- 2006
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to m
Salvation/Conversion/Paradise Lost -- Revelation 22:1-5 -- 2006
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the th
I Am Coming Soon/Facing God -- Revelation 22:6-7 -- 2006
The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true.
Jesus Is Calling -- Revelation 22:8-21 -- 2006
I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.

Stories

SermonStudio

Lorina -- Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- John E. Sumwalt, Steve Taylor -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Her name was Lorina.
Witnesses To The Light -- Luke 13:10-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay Boone Stewart -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with a virulent form of breast cancer.
Singapore Angel -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Mary Demuth -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
"Miss, you need to step here." The woman's voice came from behind me.
Safe -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Claire Hunston -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
It was late September of 1990.
Can Trust In God Be Restored? -- Psalm 14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lois Rae Carlson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
It was the end of my first year as a young widow on my own with two children.
Praying For A Child -- Psalm 113 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kris Drollinger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
My experience occurred on a Saturday morning in early November, 1988.
The Faith Of A Child -- Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jane Moschenrose -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
As an eleven-year-old pitcher for the Rockies Little League softball team, Karen was having a great
I Am Sure That God Is Able -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Linda J. Vogel -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
In 1969 my father was dying (too slowly!) from a malignant brain tumor that changed his personality
God Spoke To Me -- Psalm 66:1-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Sister Alice J. Giere -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
My sister, Sister Joan Frances Giere, and I were on a vacation trip with our mother.
In The Midst Of An Attack, A Transformation -- Luke 18:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Connie Hays Coddington -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
The telephone rang in my motel room in El Salvador.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

If It Had Not Been The LORD Who Was On Our Side ... -- Psalm 124 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when our enemies attacked us,
Those Who Trust In The LORD Are Like Mount Zion -- Psalm 125 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
When The LORD Restored The Fortress Of Zion -- Psalm 126 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
Unless The LORD Builds The House -- Psalm 127 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
Happy Is Everyone Who Fears The LORD -- Psalm 128 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Happy is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways ...
Often Have They Attacked Me From My Youth -- Psalm 129 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
"Often have they attacked me from my youth ...
Out Of The Depths, I Cry To You, O LORD -- Psalm 130 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope ...
O LORD, My Heart Is Not Lifted Up -- Psalm 131 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up ... I do not occupy myself with things
O LORD, Remember In David's Favor -- Psalm 132 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation:
How Very Good And Pleasant It Is ... -- Psalm 133 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! ...

Poems

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Thanksgiving Day

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Unison Prayer

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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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