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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 10/Pentecost 8/Ordinary Time 15 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Isaiah 55:10-13, Romans 8:1-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Confession And Forgiveness
Proper 11 / Ordinary Time 16 -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Isaiah 44:6-8, Romans 8:12-25 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Opening Litany P: Everyday life, home, and family,
Proper 12 / Ordinary Time 17 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
Litany Of Confession
Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Isaiah 55:1-5, Romans 9:1-5 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Matthew 14:22-33, 1 Kings 19:9-18, Romans 10:5-15, Psalm 85:8-13 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
Gathering Prayer/Prayer Of Preparation
Proper 15 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 67 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21 -- Matthew 16:13-20, Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 138 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 17 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Matthew 16:21-28, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Romans 12:9-21 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 18 / Ordinary Time 23 / Pentecost 15 -- Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Confession, Instruction, And Forgiveness P: Holy God, in whose name we gather,
Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24 -- Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day

Drama

SermonStudio

Leaving Egypt For Home -- Matthew 2:19-23 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
Never Too Late -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
My Name Is Levi -- Mark 2:13-17 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Peter K. PerryThe tax collector Levi, who becomes Matthew, tells his story.
Living Water -- John 4:7-30 -- Pamela J. Tinnin -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
Kneeling Before Him -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
Just A Jar Of Water -- Luke 22:7-13 -- Peter K. Perry -- 2004
A Maundy Thursday story from the man in whose house Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover
What Is Truth? -- John 18:28-38 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
The Ten Bridesmaids -- Lynn Robert Schlessman -- 2004
CharactersBillFredFoolish 1-5 (five people)
The Prodigal Son -- Lynn Robert Schlessman -- 2004
CharactersSallyJaneSon 1 (older son)
The Good Samaritan -- Lynn Robert Schlessman -- 2004
CharactersFredBillLawyerJesus

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Bliss Of A Clean Heart -- Matthew 5:8 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. -- Matthew 5:8
Peacemaking: The Seventh Beatitude -- Matthew 5:9 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. -- Matthew 5:9
The Bliss Of A Martyr's Way -- Matthew 5:10-12 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
No Salt In The City? -- Matthew 5:13 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restore
Light! More Light! -- Matthew 5:14-16 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
From Legalism To Obedience -- Matthew 5:17-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them b
Do The Old Rules Still Apply? -- Exodus 20:24, 7-8 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion -- Matthew 5:21-26 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You have heard that it was said to the men of old, "You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall b
Adultery: Saying No And Knowing Why! -- Matthew 5:27 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery." -- Matthew 5:27
Lust: The Fire Inside -- Matthew 5:27-30 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery wit

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Have Mercy Upon Us! -- Psalm 123 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The two-year-old was visiting her grandparents, and as they gathered around the table, holding hands
O Lord, Save My Life -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There once was an eagle, a large, strong eagle who would stretch her wings and soar on the air.
Only The Father Knows -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Sarah was sitting beside the window, looking out at the rain falling.
The Blessing Of God -- Psalm 133 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The psalmist says that God gives good gifts.
The Glory Of God -- Psalm 19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
It was a new church for Sam.
Trinity Sunday -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
(Read the text aloud.) My granddaughter knows the meaning of Trinity.
The Monkey Who Wanted Misery -- Romans 8:26a -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Talk together: What is "misery"? What is the very worst thing that might happen to you?
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Call To Worship:
All Saints' Day -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
A young boy, reading about the saints, decided to become one.
Baptism -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In our Bible story Jesus went to John the Baptist at the River Jordan to be baptized.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 111 -- Psalm 111 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (v. 10).
Psalm 114 -- Psalm 114 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm calls up some wonderful imagery.
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"I owe you one." These words came out of my mouth only yesterday as a church member graciously agree
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In the United States of America today, the average household carries a credit card debt load of seve
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The words of this psalm emerge from a grateful heart.
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
If there's one thing that people universally appreciate, it's being heard.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It's Easter. For us, this is a day of new beginnings. It is the ultimate moment. Christ is risen!
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Power is basic to our existence as human beings.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Today, Christian people everywhere celebrate an incredibly absurd notion.
Psalm 118:14-29 -- Psalm 118:14-29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Anyone can throw a party.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Gift Of The Love -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a
Catching People -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your n
Get Busy Living In Hope -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.
Love Your Enemies -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who c
Songs Of Thanksgiving -- Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your
Changing The World -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went u
The Right Thing For The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no
Don't Give Up, Give In -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wildern
Beyond Belief -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am
Second Chances -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for

Prayer

SermonStudio

MEMBERSHIP IN ANOTHER WORLD -- John 18:28-40 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 18:28-40
LOOKING AT US WITH LOVE -- John 19:1-7 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:1-7
NO DECISION AT ALL -- John 19:8-16a -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:8-16a
KING JESUS -- John 19:16b-25a -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:16b-25a
LET DEATH COME, LORD JESUS -- John 19:25b-27 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:25b-27
ACCOMPLISHED -- John 19:28-30 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:28-30
BLOOD AND WATER -- John 19:31-37 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:31-37
CEMETERY -- John 19:38-42 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:38-42
LORD OF THE WASHBASIN -- John 13:1-20 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 13:1-20
NAME CALLING -- John 20:11-18 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:11-18

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Exodus 20:1-17
Lent 4 -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Numbers 21:4-9
Lent 5 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Passion-Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
Acts 10:34-43
Easter 2 -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 4:32-35
Easter 3 -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 3:12-19
Easter 4 -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 4:5-12
Easter 5 -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 8:26-40
Easter 7 -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

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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

Frank Luchsinger
Huckle the Cat and his school teacher Miss Honey the Bear, Bananas Gorilla, Captain Salty, Pig Will and Pig Won't, Sergeant Murphy the Police Dog, and my favorite, Lowly the Worm; if you know these names then you are familiar with the work of Richard Scarry, author and illustrator of children's books, who passed away in '94 at age 75. Scarry wrote over 250 books, which in thirty languages have sold over 100 million copies. He said, "The greatest compliment I can receive is to be told that some of my books are held together with more Scotch tape than there is paper in the original book.
David E. Leininger
We reflected earlier on Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and its assertion that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and were parents of a daughter. True, there is nothing at all in scripture to back up such a claim, but can you imagine what kind of parent Jesus would have been?
Constance Berg
Pastor Wallace was loved by many, many people. He had come to a rural, agricultural area and stayed for 41 years. He and his wife Bea had four children, three of whom would become pastors themselves. The fourth was a missionary teacher in Madagascar. Pastor Wallace's second and last call was to another rural church he started only thirty miles away. He stayed fifteen years. His reputation was tough but fair; disciplined but compassionate; strong but just.
Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Seasonal Theme
Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.

Theme For The Day
We are prayed for by Jesus that we might be unified with each other and with our God. A summary of the Season of Easter.

First Lesson
Acts 1:1-11
Return To The Upper Room
Stan Purdum
At first reading, this psalm presents a scattering of themes. Some scholars think it was not a psalm at all, but a listing of headings to a number of liturgical pieces. Most, however, see in Psalm 68 the underlying theme of the victory and reign of God, the Divine Warrior -- the God who was with the people of Israel in the wilderness (v. 7). Psalm 68 calls the kingdoms of the world to acknowledge that God is the warrior king who reigns over all. It presents God as the power and strength of the chosen people.
Carlos Wilton
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary. See The Ascension Of Our Lord, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

The brief Psalm 93 seems archaic, from the standpoint of our culture. The Lord is enthroned, here, as a cosmic king. The accoutrements of royalty are front and center: the robe of majesty, the girding-on of strength (suggesting a royal broadsword), the throne, the royal decree. Its message, loudly declared from the first verse onward, is simplicity itself: the Lord reigns!
George M. Bass
The church year theological clue
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 1:1--11 (C, RC, E, L)
David O. Bales
In 1936, near the beginning of the Spanish Civil War one horrible center of fighting was the Alcázar fortress near Toledo. In the middle of horrific fighting, however, every day the firing stopped twice in order to allow a blind beggar to tap his way on the street between the firing lines. We can imagine how welcome those few minutes were to the men on both sides. They probably hoped that the blind man walked slower to give them a few more seconds of peace. Then the reprieve ended and the slaughter again engulfed the two armies that were struggling to kill each other.1
Schuyler Rhodes
I love this story. It doesn't matter how many times I hear it, or how it's told, it never fails to grab me in a new and different way. It's really an incredible tale. And by incredible I mean just that. Without credibility! Who could actually buy a story like this? The disciples, cowardly and virtually faithless, abandoned the Master and scattered in the chaos of his arrest and execution.
Lee Griess
It's one of those stories that circulates around the internet. I don't know if it's true or not but it's so interesting that I have to share it with you. It seems that a woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen, shaking frantically with what looked like a wire running from his waist toward the electric outlet in the wall. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly electricity, she grabbed a piece of wood that was leaning by the back door, and gave him a good whack, breaking his arm in two places. It was a shame. He was not being electrocuted at all.
Richard L. Sheffield
I want to take the text seriously this morning. It would be easy not to, because Luke's story of the ascension of Jesus is not easy no matter how you take it. For you and me, twenty centuries later, this story may be very hard to take very seriously.

Our take on the ascension of Jesus might be on the order of liturgy as lift-off: Jesus being lifted up to the Air Force song: "Off we go into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sky!"

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 17, 2026:
  • When Jesus Prays by Chris Keating. Jesus’ high priestly prayer is rooted in the authority of God’s love, and not from a posture of authoritarian control. It is a prayer that the disciples might dwell in the abundance of eternal life by abiding in the love and unity Jesus has offered.
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 17, 2026:
  • When Jesus Prays by Chris Keating. Jesus’ high priestly prayer is rooted in the authority of God’s love, and not from a posture of authoritarian control. It is a prayer that the disciples might dwell in the abundance of eternal life by abiding in the love and unity Jesus has offered.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus prayed for us all, that we might be protected and united. In our worship today let us explored what it means to be one just as Jesus and the Father are one.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we are more ready to criticise other Christians than to be united with them.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we get hung up on small details instead of seeing the big picture.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are too selfish to open up and welcome other people.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Charles D. Reeb
John S. Smylie
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Wayne's Deployment" by Argile Smith
"In The Event of Power Failure" by Charles D. Reeb
"Where's the Finish Line?" by John Smylie


What's Up This Week
John E. Sumwalt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"The God of All Grace" by John Sumwalt
"Keeping the Word" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * *


The God of All Grace
by John Sumwalt
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
-- 1 Peter 5:10

CSSPlus

Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus has the authority to give eternal life.

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