Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Worship

SermonStudio

Rise, Sovereign Lord -- Psalm 9:9-20 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
Refrain Rise, sovereign Lord, Be the stronghold of all your people.
O My Good Shepherd -- Psalm 23 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. O my Good Shepherd, O Lord of my soul, Keep me forever beneath your control.
To You, O God, I Come -- Psalm 111 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1. To you, O God, I come in great thanksgiving.
God Our Creator (God Of All Glory) -- Psalm 29 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
1. God, our Creator, source of all strength,
Let Us Watch And Wait With Jesus -- Psalm 33:12-22 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
1. Let us watch and wait for Jesus, To fulfill his promise fair,
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!
God Has Done Great Things -- Psalm 126 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
Refrain God has done great things for us, In which we all rejoice.
The Reign Of Christ Is Here -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
1. The reign of Christ is here! Good Christian friends, draw near.
Oh, To God Alone Be Glory -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, to God alone be glory, for his tender, loving care.
How Peaceful The Family With Whom The Lord Dwells -- Psalm 127 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
1. How peaceful the family with whom the Lord dwells. Security marks his control.

Drama

SermonStudio

Jesus Cleanses The Temple -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Jesus Money Changer Merchant 1
Jesus Anointed By Mary -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Judas Jesus Mary
Jesus Predicts Things To Come -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator James John Peter Jesus
Jesus In The Upper Room -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Matthew Jesus
Jesus And Mary Magdalene In The Garden -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Mary Magdalene Peter John Jesus
Jesus Ascends To Heaven -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Andrew Jesus
Jesus By The Sea Of Galilee -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Jesus
Jesus And Doubting Thomas -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Peter John Jesus
Jesus On The Road To Emmaus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Cleopas Cleopas' Friend
Jesus Before Pilate -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Pilate Caiaphas Roman Soldier Jesus

Sermon

SermonStudio

Talented People -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them
Married To The Holy One Of Israel -- William J. Rauch -- 2013
An old and experienced rabbi snuggled back into an overstuffed airplane seat, quite prepared to slee
God's Plumb Line -- Amos 7:7-15 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2013
Amos wasn't born a prophet, but he was a farmer.
From the Courtroom to the Cross -- A King's Journey -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John W. Clarke -- Good Friday - B -- 2011
John records more details of the crucial events of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus than any other
The Gardens of Life -- John 20:1-18 -- John W. Clarke -- Easter Day - B -- 2011
I look forward to spring and I guess that we all do especially when we have had a hard winter.
Should We Doubt Thomas? -- John 20:19-31 -- John W. Clarke -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
John's gospel has traced the development of unbelief, which culminated in Jesus' enemies crucifying
The Shepherd of Love -- John 10:11-18 -- John W. Clarke -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
As we continue our Easter journey, we are presented with an image that has stood the test of time.
Cleaning the Temple -- Cleansing Our Lives -- John 2:13-22 -- John W. Clarke -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Having heard the gospel this morning let me introduce a word from Paul when he said to the church in
A View from the Cross -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- John W. Clarke -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2011
In our text this morning we went to the place where Jesus Christ was crucified.
The Perfect Example to Follow -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John W. Clarke -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2011
As is often the case, John's gospel reports more of the contents of Jesus' instructions to his disci

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Mother's Day -- 2 Timothy 2:20-21 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God uses a clean heart. Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-21
After The Resurrection -- Luke 24:36-39 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Blessed are those who believe.
Faith -- 1 Corinthians 13:13, John 3:8 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We believe in God even if we don't see him.
Palm Sunday -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Let us praise Jesus, our Savior. Scripture: Luke 19:36-40
Buttons In Their Places -- 1 Corinthians 3:9 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We need to be in places doing our jobs.
God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
A Lesson From Wildflowers -- Luke 12:27-28, 31 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God promises to care for his people.
Jesus And Children -- 1 -- Mark 10:13-14a -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Jesus loves all of the children. Scripture: Mark 10:13-14a
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday -- Philippians 2:3, 5-8, John 15:12 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God asks us to be humble.
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany / Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Jesus desires that we seek to love our enemies.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
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
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.
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany / Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - 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
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord / Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Faith gives us power for living.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day At its deepest level, God's judgment is all about love.

Stories

SermonStudio

God's Battleship -- John 17:6-19 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Several years ago, there was a convention of clergy gathered at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta under th
The Forgiveness Factor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
This is probably one of the best-known vignettes in all of scripture, this wonderfully appealing sto
He Descended Into Hell -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son
Cross-Bearing -- Mark 8:31-38 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
While vacationing in Mexico sometime back, my wife and I attended worship in a church that is served
God's Day Off -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
We know the importance of taking breaks.
My Shepherd -- Psalm 23 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
There is a 2,000-year-old story that may or may not be apocryphal.
Fickle Folks -- Mark 11:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Have you ever been called fickle? If you have, you probably did not like it.
Expressing The Inexpressible -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- David E. Leininger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
What can we ever say about God that is adequate?
A Winsome Witness -- Acts 8:26-40 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
He was an Ethiopian bigwig.
Hope -- John 12:20-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Word had begun to spread about Jesus.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, how grateful we are that you determined to visit us.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, O God, what we would have believed if we had lived in first century Israel.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We're starting on a journey to reach Bethlehem, O God.
Christmas Day -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Now lift up voices, sing his praise
Christmas Eve -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Everyone, come greet the day
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Lord of Hosts, we need thy presence:
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Strong name of gracious love, Be with us 'til the morrow!
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Justice, peace and hope are driven
First Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Come, thou God of earth and heaven;
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator, we understand the role that winter plays in the growth cycle.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen ...
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Psalm 137 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
By the rivers of Babylon -- there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion.

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 19 -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1989
Full seventy times seven, Lord?If I forgive another
Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1989
Two men sat in one end of a lifeboat,Sat quietly while others worked

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

"We Believe In One Baptism For The Forgiveness Of Sins" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
When I was a student in college, I worked for a man who owned
"We Believe In The Resurrection Of The Body" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
I had no idea about what was in store for me the afternoon I
Postscript: Sacraments -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
The issue of the importance and role of baptism in the
Our Father -- Luke 11:1-2 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
A young woman named Carol discovered her status as a child of the heavenly Father, in spite of the f
Heaven And God's Hallowed Name -- Matthew 6:9 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
In the Lord's Prayer, we speak to God as our Abba, our daddy.
Your Kingdom Come -- Matthew 6:9-10 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
In our study of the Lord's Prayer, we began by looking at Abba, our Father.
Your Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven -- Matthew 6:10 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
What are we praying in this petition?
Give Us Tomorrow's Bread Today -- Matthew 6:9-11 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
In 1988 while on sabbatical leave studying in Canterbury, England, I was privileged to hear Bishop J
Forgive Us -- Matthew 6:9-14 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
Some years ago I was talking about handling problems to a friend who is a recovering alcoholic.
Save Us From The Great Ordeal And Deliver Us From The Evil One -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
A devout Christian woman once said to me, "I love the Lord's Prayer, but there is one thing in it wh

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Streams In The Desert -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Not only did Isaiah give us a beautiful metaphor of how God's Kingdom can flourish in the desert pla
The Great Stone Face -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A boy named Ernest, who grew up within sight of this famous mountain near Franconia Notch, New Hamps
The Rocks Cry Out -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
When early archeological explorations began a century ago in the Holy Land, there was some apprehens
Who Was Mad Rhoda? -- Acts 12:13 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The Bible story begins with Simon Peter in prison for his preaching Christ, and some Christians gath
Animals -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A motorist was driving in the country when his car stopped
Accidents -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Rodney Wilmoth recalls an experience several years ago when he
Actors -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A student was called on to say one line in a public school
Aged -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
When Bishop Welch was 100 years old, hundreds of his friends
Agreement -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Here's to the man who is wisest and best Here's to the man who
Babies -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The inquisitive neighbor approached the expectant mother in

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

What About Miracles? -- Matthew 12:39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
It is, therefore, inaccurate to define a miracle as something that breaks the laws of nature.
Why Do We Have To Suffer? -- 1 Peter 2:19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail.
Why Do We Speak Of The Trinity? -- John 15:26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
God's power of creation is given to us through the Holy Spirit.
Does God Help Us? -- John 14:16 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
The reason I can't help thinking of God is because God is here.
Can Prayer Change Things? -- Matthew 7:7 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
Let's stop making prayer profound, theological, and subject to traditional patterns.
What Does The Bible Mean By "Sin"? -- Romans 3:23-24 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
I fall back dazzled at beholding myself, all rosy red, at having, I myself, caused the sun to ris
What About Praying For Loved Ones? -- Colossians 4:3 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
Jesus prayed for others ... -- B. Harvie Branscomb * * *
Is There A Hell? -- Matthew 3:12b -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
One of the most pathetic aspects of human history is that every civilization expresses itself mos
Do We Have To Go To Church? -- Matthew 4:10b -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
The church is that place in human society where men are disturbed by the word of the eternal God,
What About Inclusive Language? -- Matthew 6:9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
If, through omission or commission, I have inadvertently displayed any sexist, racist, culturalis

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

The powers that be -- Romans 13:1 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The powers that be Location: Romans 13:1
A saint -- 2 Thessalonians 1:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A saint Location: 2 Thessalonians 1:10
Salty talk -- Colossians 4:6 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Salty talk Location: Colossians 4:6
The scapegoat -- Leviticus 16:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The scapegoat Location: Leviticus 16:10
See eye to eye -- Isaiah 52:8 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: See eye to eye Location: Isaiah 52:8
See how great a forest a little fire kindles -- James 3:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: See how great a forest a little fire kindles
Separate the sheep from the goats -- Matthew 25:32 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Separate the sheep from the goats
Shout for joy -- Psalm 5:11 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Shout for joy Location: Psalm 5:11
Signs of the times -- Matthew 16:3 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Signs of the times Location: Matthew 16:3
Smoother than butter -- Psalm 55:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Smoother than butter Location: Psalm 55:21

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 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

Richard E. Gribble, CSC
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents purchased for him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedroom. Before this, whenever Charlie needed to use a mirror, he went to the bathroom, but there he was only able to see his head and possibly his shoulders. When he got dressed up he used his parents' full-length mirror in their bedroom. Charlie was happy with his new mirror; he spent many hours in front of it.
Elizabeth Achtemeier
There is a strange belief abroad in our land at the present time, the belief that we cannot know God. Such a belief rises partly from a feeling of awe before the divine -- the feeling that God is so unfathomable, so other, so beyond our feeble understanding that we cannot possibly experience who he truly is in all of his fullness and perfection. And perhaps that is the reason that the Athenians have erected that idol "to an unknown God" that Paul encounters when he visits their city. They know that there is a god beyond them, but they cannot define him or name him.
Stan Purdum
(See Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-12.)

Psalm 66 is a song of communal thanksgiving, probably composed to celebrate some national deliverance. Because of the personal language of verses 13-20, there is some speculation that this psalm was originally two hymns, but as it stands, it contains a combination of corporate and personal prayers, both appropriate in worship.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E, L)
Schuyler Rhodes
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan? Do you make your commitments and focus your energies on one thing, but have an alternative in mind just in case things don't work out with the first one? You might call it "Plan B" or something else, but basically you're hedging your bets and covering yourself in case the situation goes south.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was still in the middle of his farewell discourse to his disciples. He was trying to comfort the despair that they were feeling when they had first heard the news (during the last supper) that Jesus would be leaving them (John 13:21, 33; 14:1). He had comforted them with the good news that he was on the way to God the Father, that in associating with Jesus, the disciples had been in fellowship with the Father (John 14:6-11). Whoever believed in him, Jesus said, would be able to do the works that he had done, even greater works (John 14:12).
Albert G. Butzer, III
Here are two statements about the world. Tell me if both of them ring true for you. The first of them is this: "The world is a beautiful place." And the second statement is this: "The world is a terrible and dangerous place." Both statements are true - don't you agree? - and yet, ironically, they seem to say the exact opposite thing. How much easier it would be to affirm one statement or the other, but not both.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contribution to humanity will live on in the minds of many under a different title, "The Birdman of Alcatraz." By nature, Robert Stroud was not a congenial man. As a youth he was always getting into fights, disagreements, and various altercations. When he was only nineteen he killed a man in a barroom brawl, was convicted of second--degree murder, and was sentenced to the Federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, since the crime was committed on Federal land.
Richard W. Ferris
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ. On a particular Saturday afternoon, the sexton was making one final check of the choir and organ loft high in the balcony at the back of the church. As he was making his inspection, he was startled to hear footsteps echoing up the stone stairway behind him. He thought the doors were all locked and that no one else was in the church. He turned to see a man in slightly tattered traveling clothes coming toward him.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Acts 17:22-31
Theme: To A Known God

Call To Worship
Leader: God is a known God who continually gives us evidence of presence.
People: God is a knowable God who extends to us the hand of hope.
All: Come, let us worship God. Amen.

Collect
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Our Cities Cry To You, O God (PH437)
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (PH376, UM384, LBW315, NCH43)
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (PH321, UM465)
There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit (PH398, UM334)
Thy Holy Wings, O Savior (UM502)
Come Down, O Love Divine (LBW508, NCH289, PH313)
O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee (OBW492, NCH502, PH357)
My Song Is Love Unknown (LBW94, NCH222, PH76)

Anthems
Praise The Lord, Service Music, Hal Hopson, CGA, Unison 2--part

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 10, 2026:

StoryShare

John Fitzgerald
Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the classic Little House on the Prairie series neared an end to her
life. At this juncture she penned an essay about hope in face of the constant current of change. Here is an excerpt from that writing: 
Frank Ramirez
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Always Be Ready" by Frank Ramirez
"Looking for God" by Peter Andrew Smith
"A Gentle Profession" by Peter Andrew Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for the Sixth Sunday of Easter direct us to sermons on the great things God’s love does, appreciating in two cases this love’s cosmic character (especially leading to a stress on justification by grace). This is an appropriate theme with the festival of the Ascension in view, which celebrates Christ’s almighty power and cosmic vindication. 

Acts 17:22-31
William H. Shepherd
Schuyler Rhodes
In Garret Kreizer's novel, God of Beer (2002), the high school social studies teacher tells the class about Gandhi's assertion that if God ever came to India, he'd have to come as bread, in order to get the attention of the starving peasants. The teacher then asks the class what form God would have to take in order to get the attention of their high school. "Beer," says one student. "Yeah," another chimes in, "it's the only thing to do around here."

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

CSSPlus

Hi there, boys and girls! How many of you have rules that you have to follow at home? (show of hands) What are some of the rules you have? (let them tell you) What about at school? Do you have rules there? What are they? (let them tell you)

Why should we even have rules? (see what they think) I think we have rules because it makes it easier for us to be together. If we are all kind to each other, we will all be happier. If there are rules, then maybe people will fight less.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL