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Worship

SermonStudio

Baptism Of Jesus (C) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Transfiguration (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
These prayers all focus in on the Transfiguration texts but can also be used during the season of
Transfiguration (2) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Lent -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The references in this prayer to the covenant makes it especially applicable to Lectionary Cycle
Maundy Thursday -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is applicable for Maundy Thursday as it recounts the Exodus and ties it into the Last
Easter Sunday (A) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
These three communion prayers are written around the Easter stories for the gospels highlighted i
Easter Sunday (B) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer makes reference to the stories highlighted in the Old Testament and gospel through th
Easter Sunday (C) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Pentecost -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Worldwide Communion -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

Drama

SermonStudio

Some Day, My Prince Will Come .. -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29, Psalm 67 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
As I perused the readings for Easter 6, I was struck by their focus on the future glory of God -- an
Let Everyone Who Is Thirsty Come -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Everyone, Lord? Even those (fill in the denomination) who (fill in the alleged heresy)?
The Temptation Of Sally Vation -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13, Psalm 91 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Saint Paul reminds us that "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14) and
As Many As The Stars? -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
I love the movie Oh, God! Some may take issue with its theology, but George Burns as God is i
Moses The Fig Tree -- Exodus 3:1-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Perhaps I was too hard on Moses. But you have to admit, Moses was a bit of a whiner:
Percival Prodigal Ponders A Pithy Point -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
For several years, my wife and I have been involved in a prison ministry at our local county house o
God, You're Just Politically Incorrect! -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, Psalm 126 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
This may not be a popular play. So be it.
The Spiritual Struggle Of Sidney Centurion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56, Psalm 31:9-16 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
What really happened to the centurion who presided over our Lord's crucifixion?
Six Christmas Testimonies -- David H. Covington -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionPatterns For Six Ornaments
The Christmas Gift -- Janet K. Gardner -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionProp ListThe Christmas Songs

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Measure Of Success -- Matthew 7:24-29 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built h
Why Did You Bring Us Out Of Egypt? -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2009
I am a baby boomer. I am part of that generation that emerged following World War II.
God's Gift -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Margery Tallcott relates that during the Depression she and her husband were barely making the money
Finding Redemption In The Midst Of Judgment -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
A vase shatters, brushed by a careless elbow; a toy breaks, handled roughly by young fingers; and fa
Hope Again! -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Charles Swindoll wrote a book titled Hope Again, with the subtitle "When Life Hurts and Dream
Born At Bethlehem -- Hope -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Derl G. Keefer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Ellyn Sanna was twelve years old when she went on a camping trip to New England with her family.
Born In Bethlehem -- Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
Have you ever awakened in the early hours before dawn? Thick darkness covers the earth.
Hidden Potential -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Home and Garden television produces a program titled Hidden Potential hosted by Brandie Malay
From Tragedy To Salvation -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
On January 13, 1982, Washington DC and the surrounding area experienced a blizzard that paralyzed ev
To God Be The Glory! -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
One of the most prolific songwriters of the nineteenth century was Fanny Crosby.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Intercession -- Matthew 5:43-48 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There was once a man who dreamed of a beautiful home, and soon all of his time, energy, money, and a
A Sunny Day -- Romans 8:26b -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"It's raining!" Brad said, sadly.
Brother Lawrence -- Psalm 150:6 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The greasy, sticky pots and pans were piled precariously on the sink.
Forgive Us Our Trespasses -- Luke 11:4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once Abraham invited a beggar to his tent for a meal.
Teach Us To Pray -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In our Bible story for today, Jesus went up the mountain by himself to pray.
The Lord's Prayer In "New Haven" -- Luke 11:2-4 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time in a town called "New Haven," the mother sat on her son's bed and they talked toget
The Lord's Prayer -- Luke 11:14 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Jesus sat in the garden with a friend. The air was still. The garden was quiet.
In The Presence Of God -- Psalm 13 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"But, Grandma, I gave all of my Halloween candy but the M and M's to Brad," she gulped between tears
The Gifts -- Matthew 2:11 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Where are the gifts?" the first wise man asked the other two wise men.
The Shepherd And His Sheep -- John 10:14, 26-27 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2001
Jesus is the Good Shepherd of those who listen and follow him.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 137 -- Psalm 137 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This most poignant of psalms escapes as a cry from a people in exile.
Psalm 138 -- Psalm 138 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Few people write thank-you notes anymore.
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There's something about someone who knows you really well.
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
One of the marvelous things about a long and happy marriage is that the partners really come to know
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The definition of a true friend is someone who knows all there is to know about you and still loves
Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The words of the ancient Sunday school teacher still ring clear in memory.
Psalm 146 -- Psalm 146 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "
Psalm 146 -- Psalm 146 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2009
There is a well-worn axiom that warns against mixing religion and politics.
Psalm 146:5-10 -- Psalm 146:5-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In this season of waiting there is a prior question that comes to mind.
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Sometimes life gets to be simply too much.

Stories

SermonStudio

You Win Some -- You Lose Some -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town
Living The Lesson Of The Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man w
Lost In Jesus -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed
Mrs. Tolle's Persistent Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at lea
And Yet The Stars Shined -- Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
The Faith Factor -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen....
Running With The Holy -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every
Being Right Versus Doing Right -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to
Looking Past The Beautiful Blonde -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
"For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Are You Smitten? -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I w

Prayer

SermonStudio

GOD-ESTEEM -- John 17:6-19 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 17:6-19
TEAM EFFORT -- John 17:20-26 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 17:20-26
LITTLE MATTERS THAT MATTERED -- John 18:15-27 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 18:15-27
NOONTIME PRAYER SERVICE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING
The snare-like suddenness of the Second Coming -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Dennis Koch -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The snare-like suddenness of the Second Coming
An advent announcement for all -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Dennis Koch -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:An advent announcement for allGospel Note:
The fruits of repentance, reserves for the future -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Dennis Koch -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The fruits of repentance, reserves for the future
The basis of blessedness -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Dennis Koch -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The basis of blessednessGospel Note:
Awaiting the power that authenticates -- Dennis Koch -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Awaiting the power that authenticatesGospel Note:
Piety as private, not public -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dennis Koch -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Piety as private, not publicGospel Note:

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Proper 22 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16, Psalm 26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2008
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
Proper 25 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Proper 26 -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34, Psalm 146 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2008
Ruth 1:1-18
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44, Psalm 127 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 23:1-7
God Knew What You Just Found Out! -- Psalm 139:13, 15-16a -- Steven Molin -- 2008
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb....

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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

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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