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SermonStudio

Equally Saved -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
To understand this parable, it is necessary to review the passage before this parable.
Kindness -- Dale Carnagie -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dale Carnagie once said, "I shall pass this way but once: any good, therefore, that I can do, or any
A True Substitute -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was once a trombone player who became too ill to march in a parade.
Wisdom -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On President Calvin Coolidge's desk these words were displayed:
Being Gracious -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One time, John Wesley, who started the Methodist Church, was calling in the home of a wealthy Englis
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Jeremiah 28:5-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
We must not water down this text.
The Miracle Worker -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Did you ever see the motion picture The Miracle Worker?
The Way -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A little boy, while walking down the street, met a stranger who asked him, "Can you tell me the way
First Sunday after Christmas Day -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7--9 (C); Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (E)
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John R. Brokhoff -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
There's No Place Like Home -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Home. Home is where the heart is. Home conjures up lots of images for us, doesn't it?
Afraid In A Thunderstorm -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was a mother who, thinking her little girl would be frightened during a thunderstorm, went int
Eternity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
So live that when thy summons comes to joinThe innumerable caravan that moves
With God At Antarctica -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the famous explorer Shackleton reported on his explorations in Antarctica he said, "When I look
Being Like A Persimmon -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the autumn time, a persimmon tree, loaded with its golden purple fruit, is a sight to behold.
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Zechariah 9:9-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
God has promised Abraham that he will be the forebear of many descendants.
The People Had A Mind To Work -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the fires were finally extinguished, near Washington, D.C., at the Pentagon Building, which had
The Woman's Purse -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A woman left her purse in a big city church, so the next day the pastor brought it to her at her own
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Our reading for this Sunday includes verses 6 to 11, which were part of our stated text for last Sun
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 50:4--9a (C); Isaiah 50:4--7 (RC)
Do You See The King? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Just to get perspective, Matthew records about fifteen parables in his Gospel.
Kindness -- Emily Dickinson -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Emily Dickinson wrote, "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain: if I can ea
Father's Day And The Trinity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Trinity: three in one,John was a man's son.
W.W.J.D. -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Have you seen the initials W.W.J.D.
Bringing Out The Best -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A wealthy businessman had acquired a Cremona violin, reportedly one of the best violins ever made.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Breadbasket Full Of Goodies -- John 6:25-35 -- John W. Clarke -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
In this the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus begins to withdraw to the east side of the Sea of
What A Deal: Investing In Hope -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
What is the most ludicrous business deal you ever got into (or out of) just in time?
The Colors of Christmas: Six Sermons and Object Lessons for Advent and Christmas -- H. Michael Nehls -- 2006
Advent 3 Children's Message Red
What Was Broken Is Healed -- 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman killed by a drunk driver
A Good-bye Topping All Others -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Those bidding good-bye are around us all of our lives.
He Will Abundantly Pardon -- Isaiah 55:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Perhaps you have taken a vacation with the intention of seeking out some historical or national monu
Baby Blues -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Baby Blues
Jesus Is Still Alive! -- John 20:1-18 -- David T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today we Christians celebrate Easter Sunday.
Apocalypse Wow! -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
A pastor friend of mine recently attended a ministerial meeting at a Presbyterian church, along with
Goodness -- A Way Of Life -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Traditionally, the letter to the Ephesians was thought to be another one of Paul's New Testament wri
The Inversion Of Ambition -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
In today's text, Jesus teaches the disciples about the power of evil.
Final Instructions -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ron Lavin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
Final Instructions
Mediating The Grace Of God -- Hebrews 5:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
God is always mediated to us. God never comes to us directly and immediately. This is a good thing.
An Inclusive Faith -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
In 1948, the World Council of Churches was formed in the war-torn rubble of Amsterdam.
Write To The Heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
A four-year-old girl was at the pediatrician's office for a checkup.
God Is Amazing -- John 1:43-51 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
It goes without saying, but we constantly need to be reminded that we live in an amazing world, yet
It's All About Jesus -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Lavin -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
It's All About Jesus
God's Wisdom Or The World? -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time there was an old man who lived on the outskirts of town.
Taking The Long View -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
So much seems to press upon us in our daily living that "taking the long view" may not only be remot
Palm/Passion Sunday And Today's Faith -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John T. Ball -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
In the slaughter of World War I, 1914-1918, a whole generation of European men went to their deaths.
Pay Attention To The Context -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2005
A lot of confusion could be eliminated by paying attention to the context of our theological and eth
Dusting Off Our Gratitude -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In the Deep South there is a most unusual monument paying homage to, of all things, the boll weevil.
Transformation To The Light -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time, a diamond was born.
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Ron Lavin -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Chocolate Cake, Flooded Waters, And Baptism
Prayer: A Way Of Life -- James 5:13-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Once there was a monastery in the woods that had fallen upon hard times.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Secularization? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The family Christmas gathering has come and gone --
Faith And Life -- 1999
Dr.
Guilt -- 1999
There is a scene in the movie The Mission in which Mendoza has killed his brother and Father
Singing -- 1999
Our message as congregations is often garbled.
Centering -- 1999
I tried to use my power skillsaw today.
Salvador's Testimony -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
Salvador has a scar on his cheek that runs alongside his eye, from chin to forehead.
Out Of Control? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
What would our world be like, Leon, if every human experienced during his lifetime a profoundly movi
This I Know -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1999
Some knew him as not being well versed or fluent.
Recall -- 1999
Five people died in Chicago from taking Tylenol Extra Strength.
Light -- 1999
On the 4th of July, I noticed during a fireworks display in Urbandale, Iowa, that one star in the he
An Extremely Difficult Adjustment -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Control and supervision of our lives from our children?
Family -- 1999
On a television sitcom, Mrs.
The Simple Life -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We originally planned to keep the place simple and easy to maintain, Leon.
Forgiveness -- 1999
After consecrating the elements at Saint John's one day, I made my way toward the balcony with the e
Heart -- 1999
On the outside of the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City are the words:
Spirit -- 1999
In The San Francisco Chronicle: "Pepper Spray Stuns Oakland Congregation." A sixty-year-old w
Change -- 1999
There is a town in Iowa named Correctionville.
Where You Go, I Will Go -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
Riley loved her family. She was very close to her parents and sisters and brothers.
Until -- -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
As long as there is one hungry person, Leon, I will not be comfortable when I eat.
Joelito's Legacy -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
The prophet Jonah was commanded by God to go to Nineveh; Joel Fil‡rtiga was inspired to go to Paragu
Reconciliation -- 1999
The headline in the Contra Costa Times, November 16, 1997, read, "Family of slain Palestinian
Living Parables -- 1999
At our annual staff Christmas party our little Sarah's turn had come to relate her most memorable Ch
A "Centering" Place -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Four decades ago when we purchased our lake property, hundreds of miles from our home then, I wonder
Foundation -- 1999
I saw today a very heavy trailer of a tractor-trailer combination without the tractor parked on an a
Heaven -- 1999
I watched them say good-bye for the last time.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

A Soldier -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA SoldierThe Opening Speech
Proper 4 -- Psalm 46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 25 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Theme: Courage To Declare The GospelCall To Worship
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: On The Mountain With GodCall To Worship
Thanksgiving -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Welcome and AnnouncementsPreludeCall to Worship
Proper 20 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Theme: Workers For GodCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ -- The Power And Wisdom Of GodCall To Worship
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ Knows No BoundsCall To Worship
Proper 12 -- Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Saving Acts In HistoryCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: The PassoverCall To Worship
A City Dweller -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA City DwellerOpening Speech
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Theme: Called To Be A BlessingCall To Worship
Proper 25 -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Greatest CommandmentCall To Worship
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ's GloryCall To Worship
Advent Sundays -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Four Advent MonologuesPreface
Proper 20 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 9-20, 32b-38a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Theme: Life Under The Reign Of GodCall To Worship
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Coming To Know ChristCall To Worship
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Theme: Encountering GodCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ -- One With UsCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Institution Of The Lord's SupperCall To Worship
Life On The Edge Of Faith -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Maundy Thursday Worship ServiceThe Opening Hymn
Proper 5 -- Romans 4:13-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Promises Fulfilled Through FaithCall To Worship
Proper 25 -- Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Ascension of the Lord
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Pentecost
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For June 1, 2025:
  • That They All May Be One by Tom Willadsen based on Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26, Psalm 97.
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For June 1, 2025:
  • That They All May Be One by Tom Willadsen based on Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26, Psalm 97.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Tickets to give the children. You may use the ones I have included, print your own, or just use simple tickets you might buy on a roll.

Note: Be sure to have enough tickets to be able to give one to each child during the message. Also, if you have very young children in the group, I find it best to include them in the first group receiving tickets, as they sometimes don’t really understand why they are left out of the group in the beginning.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: This message includes movements to reinforce the lesson. Based on your group, have them be as active as you dare in joining you with the movements.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
Our family watched a movie together recently that left us feeling a bit mixed. The movie was great, mind you. Very well done. But the ending left us feeling frustrated, sad. We had expected a happy ending, but what we got was bittersweet, instead. 
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 16:16-34
Mark Ellingsen
Acts 1:1-11
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 1:1-11
The American middle class is still being squeezed. And there are too many Americans forever mired in poverty. A University of California at Davis study found that one-third to one-half of children who are poor for a substantial part of their childhood will be poor as adults. All this leads to despair, which the famed French existentialist Albert Camus defined as accepting your condition in life even when you can’t stand it (The Rebel, p.14).  

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Patrick rubbed his forehead and scrolled back on his laptop screen. He tried to ignore the other students in the study lounge who were working on projects and papers for their classes. He took a deep breath and started reading again.

“You okay?”

“Huh?” Patrick looked up and noticed Tim from his Monday morning class sitting just down from him. “Yeah, sorry just reading and having a hard time making sense of it.”

“Well, I’m bored of what I’m doing.” Tim closed the text book in front of him. “Mind if I have a look?”
John E. Sumwalt
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love[a] toward all the saints, and for this reason  I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers…(vv. 15-16)

Every church has at least one soul who embodies the Christ light like no other. If you cannot imagine who that might be in your congregation, maybe it’s you.

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
This reading from the book of Revelation, the vision of John, reminds us that Jesus is the beginning and the end, Jesus is the first and the last, the alpha and the omega. But even more than that, this reading reminds us to come to the Christ, to come to Jesus, to come to the water of life. Jesus poured his very self out to us and invited us to be a part of the work of the faith: a disciple. We are as invited to come with Jesus on a faith journey as Peter, Andrew, James, John, and all the others who followed Jesus were invited. The question is - what will we do with this invitation?
Carlos Wilton
(See Christmas Day, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

A genre of movies that's become popular in recent years is disaster films. Whether it is invaders from another galaxy, a catastrophic global climate change, or a falling asteroid, Hollywood loves to fill the nation's big screens with images of destruction.

Schuyler Rhodes
"Clap your hands, all you people! Shout to God with loud shouts of joy!" What images of fun and frolic this paints in the imagination. Behind the shouting and the clapping is an old New-Orleans-style jazz band. All around the band are daisy chains of people wrapped arm and arm, caught in the throes of dance and song. It is exuberance and wonder, joy and clarity, all bound up in one powerful package.
Frank Ramirez
One of the most obvious things about the night sky is the moon, especially the full moon. The full moon transforms not only the sky, but the earth, creating a dimmer, second kind of day, casting long shadows, and providing some guidance to those who find themselves outdoors.

Certainly, it is one of the things that children first notice about the sky. They can point to the moon, ask what it is, stare at it in wonder.

And then, a few days later, the child can wonder -- where did it go?
Steven E. Albertin
Today I want you to participate in the proclamation of today's message. Perhaps it will help you to remember the spectacular event and its significance that we are commemorating today.

John N. Brittain
Have you ever noticed that some constellations are named for animals that they don't really resemble? If you have ever been in the Scouts or taken a course in astronomy or just looked up into the sky at night, you know what I am talking about. As an undergraduate astronomy minor at Brown University, many years ago, I would give tours at the Ladd Observatory and on clear nights point out constellations from the outdoor gallery. But people often were not satisfied. For example, the stars in the constellation Ursa Major, The Great Bear, do not look the part.
Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III
The prisoners and the jailers had their world rocked one midnight 2,000 years ago. The report includes the following details:

1:00: Paul and Silas while on their way to a place of prayer see a slave girl who was popular for telling the fortunes of others. She made much money from this enterprise and a fortune for her owners. Each day she would go to the town square and as people passed by she would shout out her readings of their future. Some revered the slave girl for the accuracy of her predictions. Others feared her for the same reason.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus prayed to God asking that Jesus might be within us just as God was within Jesus, so that we may become completely one with God. In our worship today let us meet with the God within us, who is waiting to welcome us.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we act as though you are not within us. Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we refuse to look deep within ourselves and so can't find you. Christ, have mercy.

Special Occasion

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