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Worship

SermonStudio

Epiphany 9/Ordinary Time 9 -- Matthew 7:21-29, Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Psalm 2 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Gathering Litany
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
Hymns And Songs Savior, When In Dust To You -- LBW 91
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Order For Confession P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, +
Lent 2 -- John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Confession And Absolution
Lent 3 -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Gathering
Lent 4 -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 23 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Confessional Litany Divide the congregation into two voices.
Lent 5 -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, Psalm 130 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Litany: A Conversation With The Psalmist L: The abyss, the unknown, the feared:
Passion/Palm Sunday (Lent 6) -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2007
Prayer For Procession With Palms
Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
Offertory Prayer

Drama

SermonStudio

A Discussion Among Angels -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastStorytellerThe Archangel MichaelThe Archangel Uriel
Christmas Every Day -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastStoryteller 1Storyteller 2Little Girl
Hoodoo McFiggin's Christmas -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastNarratorHoodoo McFiggin
Home For The Holidays -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastNarratorMotherFatherArthurRelatives 1-4
A Pilgrimage To Bethlehem -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastStoryteller 1Storyteller 2GregoryIvanPeasant Man
Two Babes In The Manger -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastStoryteller 1Storyteller 2TeacherMisha
The Tree That Didn't Get Trimmed -- Romans 11:33-34, Romans 8:28 -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastStoryteller 1Storyteller 2Fir Tree
Willibald Krautman's Trip To Heaven -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastStorytellerWillibald KrautmanSaint PeterWife
Two Christmas Dinners -- Deuteronomy 16:17, Acts 20:35, Luke 21:3-4 -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
In this play, based on an O. Henry short story, the receiver gives and the giver receives.
Why The Evergreen Trees Never Lose Their Leaves -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastNarratorBirdBirch TreeOak TreeWillow Tree

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Courage To Carry On -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- David H. Webb -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
The courage to be, to do, to act, to care, and to be responsible lies at the heart of our existence.
Gardens -- Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words.
How Can One Be Three? -- John 3:1-17 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about the interactive Spirit of God the creator.
Betting On Foolish Pleasure -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one wh
What's In Your Wallet? -- Isaiah 44:21-25, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23-28 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Out of darkness the light shall shine! God's glory shining in the face of Christ.
The Earth Is The Lord's -- Genesis 2:15 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
... the world and all that is in it is mine. -- Psalm 50:12b
Acceptance, Forgiveness, And Camping -- Romans 8:18-23 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Zoom Lens -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known.
Coney Island -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "
Dealing With Our Fears -- John 6:1-21 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-39 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There once was a boy who was always fighting.
If I Were The Church -- Romans 12:4-5 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Talk together:
Coming To Church -- Psalm 122:1 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Carl liked to come to church.
Sharing -- Luke 6:27-36 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
When the world was young, two brothers loved each other.
Habitat For Humanity -- John 2:1-11 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Millard, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
Silent Night, Holy Night -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Thank you, Pastor, for coming to visit my sick wife, especially on Christmas Eve," said the old man
This Little Light Of Mine -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
(Bring a lamp that uses oil, such as in Jesus' time, and a basket.)
Francis Of Assisi -- Genesis 1:31 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time there was a man named Francis who liked to play and sing and dance.
The Aspen And The Wind -- Mark 10:44 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Whoever wishes to be first must be servant of all."
One Small Raindrop -- Psalm 147:8 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"God covers the sky with clouds; God supplies the earth with rain...."

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 98 -- Psalm 98 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2009
Some people are gifted in music.
Psalm 98 -- Psalm 98 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can supp
Psalm 98 -- Psalm 98 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Rolling the radio around the stations one morning during summer vacation, it became evident that the
Psalm 99 -- Psalm 99 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
One of the realities that inhibits our understanding of biblical language is the fact that we really
Psalm 99 -- Psalm 99 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Former Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, once remarked that "We are the victims of the tyranny
Psalm 100 -- Psalm 100 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In a world where relativity seems to have taken over, clarity feels good.
Psalm 100 -- Psalm 100 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Know that the Lord is God! It is [God] who made us, and we are [God's]" (v. 3).
Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2009
The voice of praise rings beautifully through this psalm as each verse gives poetic color to the glo
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Yonder is the sea, great and wide!" The beach is the perfect place to get in touch with the grandeu
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In Christian tradition, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as a partner on the journey (John 14:

Stories

SermonStudio

The God Of The Unlikely -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Moses is one of the genuinely towering figures of the biblical story.
The Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
One of the first Bible verses my mother taught me when I was a little boy was "Lying lips are an abo
Family Resemblance -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- David E. Leininger -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
The internet is a fascinating place to hang out.
Memorial Day -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
The book of Joshua tells of Israel's conquest of Canaan, which appears to climax the long opening st
Words Of Comfort -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
"Brothers [and sisters], we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve
Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Three servants.
The Incredible Invitation -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- David E. Leininger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Imagine for a moment.
Leaping Lepers -- Luke 17:11-19 -- David E. Leininger -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
Leaping lepers.
The Righteous Christmas Tree -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of
Getting Ready For Christmas -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah i

Prayer

SermonStudio

BEYOND GENTLE LOVE -- John 7:1-24 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 7:1-24
CHRIST IN OTHERS -- John 7:25-36 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 7:25-36
LIVING WATER -- John 7:37-52 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 7:37-52
SECOND CHANCE -- John 8:1-11 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 8:1-11
HEAVENLY FATHER -- John 8:12-30 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 8:12-30
HEIRS -- John 8:31-38 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 8:31-38
USING FAITH FOREVER -- John 8:39-59 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 8:39-59
GETTING THE MUD OUT -- John 9:1-12 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 9:1-12
EYES EARTHWARD -- John 9:13-41 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 9:13-41
KNOWN BY NAME -- John 10:1-10 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 10:1-10

Devotional

SermonStudio

Advent 1 -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Advent 2 -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Isaiah 40:1-11
Advent 3 -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Advent 4 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Christmas Eve-Christmas Day -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20, Psalm 97 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
Isaiah 62:6-12
Christmas 1 -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
Jeremiah 31:7-14
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2008
Isaiah 60:1-6
The Baptism Of The Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11, Psalm 29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2008
Genesis 1:1-5 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.
Epiphany 2 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)

Poems

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Thanksgiving Day

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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

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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