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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We are told that our love toward others
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: To people held captive by others,
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: When we have been overwhelmed by the flood of fears,
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Here, we gather in preparation
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: God became an infant
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: All around us, the universe sings
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
Greeting One: This is the day God has made. All: Let us rejoice!
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We gather in God's holy presence,
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: God, enlarge our hearts,
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Be still!

Drama

SermonStudio

Producing Christmas: A Humorous Children's Christmas Play -- Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth -- 2006
Characters Producer -- three speaking Mary -- five speaking
Jesus And The Shepherds Of Bethlehem -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Luke Mary Roman Soldier Joseph
Jesus And The Wise Men -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Luke Mary Joseph Magi 1 Magi 2
Jesus At The Age Of Twelve -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Joseph Mary Priest
Jesus And John The Baptist -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Woman John Rabbi Pharisee
Jesus And The Devil -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Devil Questions
Jesus Calls Peter -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Andrew
Jesus' Parable Of The Four Soils -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Soil 1 Soil 2
Jesus Heals A Woman In The Crowd -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Woman 1 Woman 2 Jairus
Jesus Heals The Daughter Of Jairus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jairus Jesus Peter Woman 1

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Total Gift -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the
Waiting for Christmas -- James 5:7-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Excitement is building on this the third Sunday of Advent knowing that Christmas will soon be here.
Unity and Hope -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
As we make our way through Advent inching closer to Christmas, our days are consumed with many tasks
Wake Up Call -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Advent always seems out of place with everything else that is going on around us.
Thanksgivings to Remember -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Argile Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2010
Joan sat on the sofa reflecting on the Thanksgiving Day holiday that she and her children had enjoye
God Cares -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Argile Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Imagine yourself in a remote location, separated from familiar faces and places.
Powerless People -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Some time ago, someone in Fred's congregation asked him to read a book by a fellow named Tex Sample.
Choosing -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2010
Do you remember the generation gap that existed between you and your parents when you were a teenage
When God Does Something New -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Argile Smith -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2010
After a prolonged spate of bad news about the national and global economic situation, we welcome goo
Who's the Real Leader? -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Talk To The Shepherd -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter!
"Wait Upon The Lord" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Today the puppet is wearing the "girl's wig." I call her Petra.
"A Star Is Born" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter!
Goin' Fishin' -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: (Calls) Peter! Peter! Oh, hi, Peter!
Paul The Pie Maker -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Well, Peter, how are you getting along in Sunday school?
"The Bread Of Life" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. How are you today?
God Hates Lying -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. It's good to have you here this morning.
The Memory Verse -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Good morning, Pastor. May I say a memory verse?
The Prayer Chain -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter!
What Do You Want Installed? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Today is a very important time for our church as we have the installation service for

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 29 -- Psalm 29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Riding out a storm can be an amazing experience.
Psalm 29 -- Psalm 29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Certain people have unforgettable voices.
Psalm 29 -- Psalm 29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Anyone who has ever worked with other people knows that it's important to give credit where it's due
Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
German playwright, Bertolt Brecht, writes in one of his immortal tunes that "magic fear puts the wor
Psalm 27 -- Psalm 27 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Little children love to walk on the edge.
Psalm 26 -- Psalm 26 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Integrity is a precious thing indeed.
Psalm 25:1-10 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This first Sunday in Advent is the beginning of a powerful journey.
Psalm 25:1-10 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Trusting is never easy. Even in the best of relationships, people step into trust slowly.
Psalm 24 -- Psalm 24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In American culture, the concept of property is primary.
Psalm 24 -- Psalm 24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It is an easily embraced equation. If you're good, you go to heaven.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Healing Touch -- Mark 1:29-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2008
What is a dinner guest to do?
Understanding Bible Prophecy -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2008
One of my parishioners once wrote me asking for some help in understanding the confusing imagery in
A Gospel For Losers -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2008
A fellow is standing at a bar, just looking at his drink.
The Voice -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2008
Someone has suggested that the title for a sermon about this incident in the life of Samuel should b
Power! -- Mark 1:4-11 -- David E. Leininger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2008
In a former congregation of mine, a Sunday school teacher told me of an incident that happened there
Gifts For The Christ Child -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2008
The three wise men.
Merry Xmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
This is a glorious time of year.
Simeon -- Luke 2:22-40 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
I am old and ready to die.
Christmas In The Crossfire -- Titus 2:11-14 -- David E. Leininger -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
One Monday, a couple of years ago, my wife and I crossed the driveway from the manse to the church t
Surprise! -- Luke 1:26-38 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Do you like surprises? Some folks do.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator and Savior, we witness that your hand is unwavering as you guide the destiny of all peop
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Listener, some of us have difficulty praying, while some of us come by it easily, regular
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal King, how great you are.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, in whom we place our trust, how good it is to come together to worship you.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes words fail us, O Holy One.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It still disturbs us to recall those events, O heavenly Spirit.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Today, O God, our words are heavy for we are mindful of the pain that resides within our lives.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, God our Sustainer, it is difficult to pray.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, O God our Lord, we are convinced that we see the truth of life.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we are young, Our Creator, we simply don't think of death. It doesn't seem to apply to us.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christmas 2 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
We, who were first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances.
Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry.
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- John 1:1-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
The light shines in darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. -- John 1:5
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings go
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day -- Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last d
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
They asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied,
Christmas 1 -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord.

Poems

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SermonStudio

Language -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Two American sailors were on leave while their ship was docked
Law -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
In Chicago it is against the law to eat in a place that is on fire.
Marriage -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A woman bought 200 stamps in the Lynnfield, Massachusetts,
Medicine And Medical -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Medical terminology for the layperson:Artery -- the study of fine paintings
Methodists -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A bandit confronted a Methodist circuit rider in an isolated
Money -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A woman inquired of a Methodist minister if he would baptize
Music -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Jack Benny told of the time he carried his violin case to the
Names -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Then, of course, there was a coal miner in West Virginia whose
Nepotism -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Some years ago Russ Hedderly, then a linebacker for Kent
Nervous -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
It's an old one and variously told. But, a woman entered a

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Thanksgiving Day

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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
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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