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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 9 / Ordinary Time 14 / Pentecost 4 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2009
A sacred teaching must be examined from at least three points of view:
Easter 7 -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26, Psalm 97 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Proper 8 / Ordinary Time 13 / Pentecost 6 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Advent 2 -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The truth, Dumbledore sighed. It is a beautiful and terrible thing and
Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Proper 11 / Ordinary Time 16 / Pentecost 6 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 27 / Ordinary Time 32 / Pentecost 25 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
I am an adventure-er on a voyage of discovery,
Creator God, We Praise Your Name -- Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
1. Creator God, we praise your name. How awesome are the works you do!
Give Blessing To God -- Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
1. Give blessing to God, the star of creation.

Drama

SermonStudio

The Christmas Stranger -- Bill Thomas -- 2007
Summary
Welcome The Spirit Of Christmas -- Janet Burton -- 2007
Preparation
Is It Still Wonderful? -- Louis H. Valbracht -- 2007
Somehow, somebody always does it before each holiday, and so the man in the restaurant asked me the
Recalling Our Blessings -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 2007
Props Yellow poster board Green poster board Red poster board
Thanksgiving For Our Day -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 2007
Instructions
What Are You Thankful For? -- 2007
Characters
Come! See What God Has Done -- Jeanne Mueller, Judith Hale Wood -- 2007
Introduction
What's In Your Backpack?: How Could In-School Suspension Be A Good Thing? -- Pam Speights -- 2007
Theme
Be A Blessing: The Preacher's Challenge -- Pam Speights -- 2007
Theme
Miracles? No Problem! -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Elizabeth Mary Gabriel

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Peaceable Kingdom -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
What difference does my life make for others around me? What difference does anyone's life make?
Uncertain Certainties -- John 20:19-31 -- John Jamison -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
It was Sunday evening.
Does Prayer Make Any Difference? -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2015
I want to address a subject that many of us struggle with — prayer.
The Future Present -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
We Protestants don’t know what to do with Mary.
Unstoppable Love -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2015
If I could only preach one sermon, my point would be Jesus loves us more than we could ever imagine
Prayer Changes Things -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2015
Dr.
Some Greeks -- John 12:20-33 -- John Jamison -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Jesus was back in Jerusalem for another Passover.
Wilderness Work -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.
A Cry in the Dark -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
"Screw your courage to the sticking-place," says Lady Macbeth to her doomed husband in Shakespeare's
The Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
He woke up just as the sun was peeking over the top of the mountains to the east, just as he had don

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Superman! -- Philippians 4:13 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Philippians 4:13
The Power Of The Tongue -- Proverbs 18:21 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Proverbs 18:21
Together -- Matthew 6:19-20 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Matthew 6:19-20
Don't Get Weary Of Doing Good -- Galatians 6:9 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Galatians 6:9
Handmade By God -- Jeremiah 1:5a -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.
Are You A Carrot, An Egg, Or Coffee Grounds? -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 -- 2006
Listen, I will tell you a mystery!
We Are Waiting -- Psalm 130:5-6 -- 2006
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than
The Bible Can Be A Map -- John 14:6 -- 2006
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Don't Let The Clock Run Your Life -- Luke 12:25 -- 2006
And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2010
Theme For the Day It is not for us to judge the hearts of others.
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The rear window shows us nothing worth looking at.
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Talents are meant to be used.
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Thanksgiving is not about entitlement.
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The only antidote to idolatry is proper worship.
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
All Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The saints in heaven glory in an eternal sabbath.
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Christ calls us to be faithful in deeds as well as words.

Stories

SermonStudio

God's Picture -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
An old story has it that a little boy was feeling very lonesome for his father.
Eyes Up! -- Luke 21:25-36 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
A bit of a contrast, isn't it? The sweet strains of "Away In A Manger" followed by "...
The Locust Years -- Joel 2:23-32 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
Do you like bugs? Yes, they are a part of God's good creation and they have a function within it.
Watch Out For The Birds -- Tobit 1-12 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
He sat on a wobbly stool outside his small frame house, staring absentmindedly at the dusty road.
Sleeping Through The Sermon -- Acts 20 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
"Eutychus, you get in the house this very moment!" his spirited mother impatiently shouted to the el
Caught With His Pants Down -- 1 Samuel 24 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
The day King Saul granted young David permission to battle Goliath, David's popularity skyrocketed,
The Smart Ass -- Numbers 22 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
Nestled in the foothills of the Abarim Mountains, on the eastern side of the Dead Sea, there lived a
Prayers For The President -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for eve
A Religion That Shows -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
Some little girls went on a hike with their scout troop.
The Incomparable Christ -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
Life was difficult. It always was for prisoners. There were meager rations and hard labor.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Palm / Passion Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Palm Sunday, heavenly Being, reminds us how quickly life can change.
Palm / Passion Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We still gather along the streets, our Creator, to cheer our heroes -- be they military leaders, spo
Palm / Passion Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, O God, our King, what you felt on the day of your Son's triumphal entry.
Community Lenten Services -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We are grateful, God, for the opportunity of our community Lenten services.
Community Lenten Services -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O glorious God, how grateful we are, as Christian friends in __________ (name of community), that we
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Lord, you whose strength is unending, be with us when we falter in our faith.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We come before you, our heavenly King, grateful for the faith you've given us through your Son, Jesu
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator and Redeemer, we enter your presence humbly and gratefully.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We suppose, our Creator, it is a great joy to be on stage and receive a standing ovation from hundre
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, nearly every evening we see the aftermath of violence on our television news.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
God, I thank you that I am not like other people.... -- Luke 18:11b
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart....
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepa
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
By your endurance you will gain your souls. -- Luke 21:19
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch....
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself! -- Luke 23:37

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 26 -- Mark 12:28-37 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
Love God and love your neighbor.'How simple it would seem
Proper 27 -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
Of the people who came to the temple, there were many whose vesture was grand.
Pentecost 26 -- Mark 13:1-13 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
The time of God and that of manare very different things,
Proper 28 -- Mark 13:24-32 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
Who knows when it will happenthat the end of time will come?
Proper 5 -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1990
Jesus said, 'A house dividedcannot stand. It soon must fall.
Proper 6 -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
Did you ever notice, as I think I have,how the great, important sounding words
Proper 7 -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1990
Jesus, come and take my tiller,for my boat is very small.
Proper 8 -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1990
Jairus was a proud man,Not just one in a crowd man.He had a lot of power.
Ascension Day -- Mark 16:15-20 -- Andrew Daughters -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
Only twelve were called,only twelve.Fishermen, a tax collector and such,
Proper 9 -- Mark 6:1-6 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
‘We knew him when,' the people cried.'We saw him grow to manhood.

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

The Bread Of Life -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.
From Attractive Distractions To Singing God's Steadfast Love -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfuln
When The World Oppresses You -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
My Protector -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say t
Sing To The Lord A New Song -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm ha
Your Word Is A Lamp For My Feet -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
I Will Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?
I Wait For The Lord -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the LORD more than
When God Seems Far Away -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Lord, you have searched me out and known me. -- Psalm 139:1, RSV
Fearfully And Wonderfully Made -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Tragedy Redeemed -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It was sheer tragedy!
Redemption Is For Dedicated Buildings, Too! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
In the 1950s, Graham Local School District came into being in rural Champaign County, Ohio.
The Erector Set -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The late United Methodist Bishop, F.
The County Extension Agent -- He's For Change -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Because of our years in the ministry in town and rural communities we became well acquainted with th
The Backhoe Operator -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
You may have seen a backhoe in operation.
Masada -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
King Herod I of Israel was a fearful man.
Something That Doesn't Like A Wall -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
An outstanding Christian layman, Branch Rickey, once owned a major league baseball team.
Now Consider Seeds 3,000 Years Old! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Scientists were given seeds discovered when tombs of ancient kings of Egypt were opened.
Ode To Joy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the truly great musicians of all time.
The Light Of The World -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
While on a tour of Westminster Abbey in London, England, I turned a corner of a sun-lighted hallway,

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

The Future! -- Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 139 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
"Jesus Christ is the same; yesterday, today, and forever." With those words of the Apostle Paul, we
I Believe; Help My Unbelief -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Immediately after his transfiguration, Jesus came down from the mountain and was faced with a proble
Hebrew Thinking And The Question Of The Trinity -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
As a parish pastor, one of the questions I was frequently asked was, "How can God be one and yet thr
I Believe In God The Father Almighty -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Is the world really ruled by a loving Father as we confess in the Apostles' Creed or is this notion
I Believe In God The Father Almighty, Creator Of Heaven And Earth -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In the last chapter we looked at the amazing personal relationship we have with the heavenly Father.
I Believe In Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Imagine that you are a first-century Christian.
He Was Conceived By The Power Of The Holy Spirit And Born Of The Virgin Mary -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
The emphasis on the tension between the divinity and the humanity of Jesus continues as we look at t
He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Let me begin this chapter on Jesus, the Suffering Servant, with the story of a French Bishop.
He Was Crucified, Died, And Was Buried -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In this short phrase from the second article of the Apostles' Creed, we enter into the heart of dark
He Descended Into Hell -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In this phrase we meet a tough challenge. What does the descent into hell mean?

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

Land o' Goshen -- Genesis 46:28 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Land o' Goshen Location: Genesis 46:28
The land of milk and honey -- Deuteronomy 6:3 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The land of milk and honey Location: Deuteronomy 6:3
The last will be first, and the first will be last -- Luke 13:30 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The last will be first, and the first will be last
Let go and let God -- Proverbs 20:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Let go and let God Location: Proverbs 20:24
Let not your left hand know what your right hand does -- Matthew 6:3 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Let not your left hand know what your right hand does
Like mother, like daughter -- Ezekiel 16:44 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Like mother, like daughter
Live by the sword, die by the sword -- Matthew 26:52 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Live by the sword, die by the sword
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away -- Job 1:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away
Made light of it -- Matthew 22:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Made light of it Location: Matthew 22:5
Many are called, but few are chosen -- Matthew 22:14 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Many are called, but few are chosen

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

Church Growth

Sacrament

Healing

Death

Funeral

Memorial

Observance

Christian

African-American History

Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

Men's Day

Church Leaders

Mother's Day

Gathering Prayer

Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

Fellowship

Christian Faith

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
30+ – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
26 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
27 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
For April 12, 2026:

StoryShare

Keith Wagner
Contents
"Spiritually Speaking" by Keith Wagner
"Living With More Power" by Keith Wagner


Spiritually Speaking
by Keith Wagner
Psalm 16
Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"When through Fiery Trials" by Alex Gondola
"Tracks" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Thomas had never seen his friends so excited. Peter's eyes were shining, and he could hardly contain his impatience. John was always quieter than Peter, but even he seemed full of barely suppressed eagerness. They were both tugging at Thomas, while at the same time dancing round him.

Thomas reluctantly agreed to go to the cave with them, although he continued to think they were mad. "If there was nothing there last week, how can it have changed now?" he kept asking.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
This psalm is a song of confidence and trust, and the first-century church found in it a prophecy of the Resurrection. Peter, in his Pentecost sermon, quotes verses 8-11 (Acts 2:25-28), applying them to the risen Lord. Thus, its designation as the responsorial psalm for Easter 2.

The psalm falls easily into three divisions: verses 1-4, there is no good apart from God; 5-8, the Lord is my portion and my counselor; and 9-11, there is joy and life with God.
John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E)
According to God's plan and David's prophecy, Jesus was raised from the dead. This pericope is a part of Peter's Pentecost sermon. It is a sample of the early church's preaching, as Luke understood it, summarized in the crucifixion, resurrection, and fulfillment of prophecy. Peter emphasizes that what happened to Jesus was according to God's plan. He quotes Psalm 16 as a prophecy by David of the resurrection which was fulfilled. The disciples are witnesses to the fulfillment because of their encounters with the risen Lord.
Tony S. Everett
So, here we are just over one week after Easter Sunday. Vigils are finished. Sunrise services are over. Dishes from the youth breakfast have been washed and put away. Brass and tympani fanfares have concluded. Flowers on the cross have begun to wilt and blow away. Fewer pews are filled.
Richard L. Sheffield
What the disciples of Jesus reported to their fellow disciple Thomas they had seen seemed unbelievable. And Thomas didn't believe it! They said they saw Jesus alive. Well, Thomas saw him alive until late the previous Friday afternoon when Thomas saw him dead. It was now Sunday afternoon -- and to what they said they saw, Thomas' response was, "Seeing is believing," and until I see something different from what I have already seen, I will not believe a word of what you say.
Albert G. Butzer, III
Several years ago the Episcopal Church launched a creative and clever advertising campaign. One of their ads pictured a young man with a frustrated look on his face because someone had put a heavy piece of tape across his mouth. His mouth had been taped shut; he was unable to speak. The caption, which accompanied the picture, said this: "The problem with churches that have all of the answers is that you can't ask questions."
Harry N. Huxhold
The United States of America has earned the reputation of being the most violent culture in the world. That really is an oxymoron. How can one speak of culture as being violent? Yet the problem of violence is so widespread in our nation that Gavin De Becker, an authority on violence, notes that we are a nation with more firearms than adults, and twenty thousand guns enter our commerce every day. His book, The Gift of Fear, is about our fear which furnishes us survival signals to protect us from violence. We should not be shocked that anyone is capable of violence.
Bill Mosley
The great luxury liner was on fire, but no one knew it. Deep in the hold, near the engine room, hundreds of tons of coal were stored. Coal--powered ships used to carry the coal in a watered--down state. But this ship was new, and very big; bigger than any ship ever built, or had ever sailed. So even though the coal was watered for safety, the enormous amount meant that there were dry spots. A fire smoldered undiscovered deep in the coal supply, and when it was discovered, a fire--fighting crew was sent to quench it. They worked for days, even weeks, and couldn't put it out.
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Bless our God who has given us counsel.
Come to worship with exulting heart and rejoicing spirit.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
I Danced In The Morning (UM261, PH 302)
Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! (CBH 272)
Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee (NCH507)
We Live By Faith And Not By Sight (NCH256, PH398)
O Sons And Daughters, Let Us Sing (NCH244, PH116, 117)
Breathe On Me, Breath Of God (CBH356, UM420, PH316)
These Things Did Thomas Count (NCH284)
When In The Night I Meditate (PH165)

Anthems
From the Messiah: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, G. F. Handel
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Acts 2:32)
 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.


Collect
 We lift up our eyes to you Lord, after the despair of the cross. We follow the path from the empty tomb to see you risen and walking among us! We praise your name in victory! Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Fresh air is precisely what many people feel they never get in church. Many recall the experiences of former times when the air was stodgy and stuffy. In some communities of faith the air is still a bit stifling, and so when invited to worship, the response is often, "Been there. Done that."

Yet our lessons are full of the freshness of spring, bringing life and vigor to what had been dormant, as though frozen in winter and refusing to thaw.

Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Wayne Brouwer
One of my good friends died last year. He had reached a good age and was mostly ready to go. In fact, he once told me he had more lives than the proverbial cat's nine. On too many occasions, because of cancer and accidents and blood diseases, doctors had written him off. Yet, like the Energizer bunny, he kept going and going and going....

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Good morning, boys and girls. This morning we read from the Bible about a special meeting between Jesus, who had been resurrected a week earlier, and his disciples. All of the disciples believed the resurrection except Thomas, who had not been in the room when Jesus met with the disciples a week earlier. Thomas had heard about it but didn't believe. He said that unless he saw for himself the wounds in the hands and side of Jesus, he would not believe.
Good morning, boys and girls. What does this sign mean? (Let them answer.) It is a question mark. When you see it that means someone is asking a question. Sometimes it means that someone doesn't believe what you are saying. That means the person is doubting you. It's a very common thing to have doubts about something. If one of you told me that you don't like to play with toys, I'd say, "I'm not so sure about that. I doubt it. I'll bet you really like to play with toys." If one of you told me that you didn't like candy, I would say, "I'm not so sure about that. I doubt it.

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