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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 / /Pentecost 25 -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Christ The King/Proper 29 -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 100 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
Prelude Processional Hymn
Advent -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is a general prayer for Advent focusing on light and the presence of God with us.
Christmas Eve (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
Since the Christmas readings are the same for all lectionary years, these communion prayers may b
Christmas Eve (2) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Christmas Eve (3) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer makes specific use of the familiar Christmas Eve lesson from Luke 2:1-20 with the con
Epiphany -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is specifically written for Epiphany (January 6) as it makes specific reference to th
Baptism Of Jesus (A) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The next three prayers all focus in on the baptism of Jesus.
Baptism Of Jesus (B) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

Drama

SermonStudio

Moses Rocks! -- Exodus -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is designed to be performed as "Reader's Theater" with no props or scenery, or as a simple
Glean On Me: The Story Of Ruth -- Ruth -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is meant to be performed as simply as possible in one continuous act.
Solomon The Wise: You Be The Judge -- 1 Kings 3, Ecclesiastes 3 -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is designed to be read and discussed with no properties, or presented in one act with mini
Courageous Cousins: Esther And Mordecai -- Esther -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play can simply be read without stage directions to promote discussion of a great Bible story,
Dust Thou Art ... Art Thou Dust? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
In preparing to write this, the third Ash Wednesday homily/drama, I was running out of ideas -- unti
Jesus Is Risen ... So What? -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Luke 24:1-12, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
This homily/drama was written -- with much more than the usual amount of blood, sweat, and tears --
But I Wasn't There ... Ya Gotta Show Me! -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Psalm 150 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
You Are There was a real television show in the '50s: back in the days when even commercial t
Just Do It! -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Hey, the Bible doesn't say anything about who ol' Ananias was, so he might have been the proprietor
Paradox -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 100 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
I hope those groaner puns won't detract from the discussion of paradox.
You Shall Be Holy -- Acts 13:44-52, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Me, be holy? Me, with all my horrid habits and stinky sins? I can't do that!

Sermon

SermonStudio

Are You Going To(o) Fast? -- Matthew 6:16-18 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that t
Is Your Reward Waiting? -- Matthew 6:2, 1 Corinthians 15:58 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
... they have received their reward. -- Matthew 6:2
What Does The Bible Say About Materialism? -- Matthew 6:19-33 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves
Television: The Plug-In Drug -- Matthew 6:22-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
The eye is the lamp of the body.
How To Worry Like A Christian! -- Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-7 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or
Of Logs And Specks ... -- Matthew 7:1-6 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.
Praying Through -- Matthew 7:7-11 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
The Most Famous Thing Jesus Ever Said! -- Matthew 7:12 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
So, in everything, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, for this sums up the law an
Door Number One Or Door Number Two? -- Matthew 7:13-14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Enter by the narrow gate.
The Heart Of The Matter -- Matthew 7:15-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Zacchaeus -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"It's not fair! I wish I weren't so small," sighed Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus had always been small.
All Kinds Of Doubts -- Mark 9:24 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
A father came to Jesus with his son who needed healing. He begged Jesus, "Help us!"
The Seed -- Mark 4:1-9 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There once was a seed and in that seed was life. The seed was buried in the earth.
The House On The Rock -- Matthew 7:24-27 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus told a story about a man who built his house upon a rock and another man who built his house u
The Loving Father -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Alan, you are late again!" Alan's father's jaw twitched, which meant Alan's father was not pleased.
Jesus' Resurrection -- Mark 16:6 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The small, furry, green caterpillar ate its way up the stalk of grass.
Transfiguration Sunday -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Leader, wearing dark glasses, asks the children, "Do you know why I am wearing dark glasses?" (Pause
Ask Me, I Will Do It -- John 14:1-14 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Brad was a good student.
Listening -- Mark 1:35 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus was a healer.
Little Wind -- Luke 2 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Little Wind floated silently to the foot of God's throne.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 126 -- Psalm 126 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday.
Psalm 126 -- Psalm 126 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
There's nothing quite as wonderful as looking at an old car that's been restored to its former luste
Psalm 127 -- Psalm 127 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a story about a pastor who worked for years to revive and grow a failing downtown church.
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Forgiveness is a concept common to most everyone. It covers a vast landscape, to be sure.
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Patience," the old ditty goes, "is a grace, and Grace is a little girl who doesn't wash her face."
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Back in the '60s, there was a phenomenon known as trading stamps.
Psalm 131 -- Psalm 131 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Humility is at the core of faith. Nice statement, that. But what does it mean?
Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The scholars tell us that this psalm was likely a liturgical piece used in the celebration of the Lo
Psalm 133 -- Psalm 133 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!" The words that open this pow
Psalm 133 -- Psalm 133 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Living in unity is a beatific vision.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Great Teacher -- John 14:23-29 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we wi
All For One, And One For All -- John 17:20-26 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through the
Waiting And Wasting -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the
Stupid Questions And Wisdom -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?
Earth, Wind, And Fire -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Ray Of Hope< -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
Healing And Concerned Mothers -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out.
Christ Can Do It -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in
Speaking Up For What's Right -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Guiding Angels -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken f

Prayer

SermonStudio

ENJOY THE FATHER -- John 14:1-7 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:1-7
LEAVING QUESTIONS BEHIND -- John 14:8-14 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:8-14
COVERED -- John 14:15-24 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:15-24
A GREATER SACRIFICE -- John 14:25-31 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:25-31
FOR THE SAKE OF FRUIT -- John 15:1-11 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 15:1-11
FRIENDS -- John 15:12-17 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 15:12-17
HARDSHIP AS SERVICE -- John 15:18--16:4a -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 15:18--16:4a
THE SIN OF UNBELIEF -- John 16:4b-15 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 16:4b-15
ALL DOUBTS WILL VANISH -- John 16:16-33 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 16:16-33
TOGETHER FOREVER -- John 17:1-5 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 17:1-5

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 89:20-37 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Proper 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
Song Of Solomon 2:8-13
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 1:20-33
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 31:10-31

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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.

Special Occasion

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