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Worship

SermonStudio

Pruning -- John 15:1-8 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to worship Jesus the Christ.
Responsibility -- James 1:23-25, Luke 10:25-37 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod as Creator provides order and abundance.
The Risen Christ -- John 21:1-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod is never far from any of us.
Sabbath -- Isaiah 58:9b-14, Luke 13:10-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIndeed, this is a day of rest and gladness.
Saints -- John 6:20-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Romans 10:14-18, John 20:19-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThis is the second Sunday of Easter.
A Servant Cleansing -- John 13:1-9, Matthew 27:15-26 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThough he was in the form of God ...
Sharing -- Luke 16:19-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipAs we gather, we acknowledge that we have indeed been blessed.
Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Songs Of The Season/Advent -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come ready to receive what God shall give.

Drama

Sermon

SermonStudio

Pins, Patterns, Peace -- John 16:22 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an 81-year-old woman whose strong faith guided her decision to refuse dialysis
A Vision Of Heaven -- Isaiah, Psalm 23 -- David A. Davis, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young person who suffered a cruel disease
The Eternal God Is Thy Refuge -- Hebrews 12:12-13, Deuteronomy, Psalm 23, Psalm 84 -- David A. Davis, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who had endured much pain
A Letter To My Children -- Jeremiah 31:3-10 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a widowed mother who left young children behind
Where To Go When You Grieve -- Matthew 14:12 -- Barbara Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a forty-year-old Where To Go When You Grieve
An Appetizer -- John 11:1-44 -- Carl W. Mangold, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful 69-year-old woman following a second heart attack
A Mighty Fortress -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- Thomas N. Rogers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 51-year-old man who was born in Greece
The Good Fight -- 2 Timothy 4:6b-8 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful middle-aged man The Good Fight
Questions -- Psalm 13 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman following a brief illness Questions
Frayed Ends And Torn Seams -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man killed by a hit-and-run driver

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Be A Good Thermometer -- 2 Thessalonians 1:9-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer
People Who Are Like Popcorn -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bowl or bag of popcorn
Standing Ovation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a standing round of applause (use a sign that reads "Give a standing round of applaus
What It's Like -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a fluffy bed pillow
Jesus' Public Opinion Poll -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a public opinion poll
How To Be A Christian -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some boards, nails and hammers, and screws and screwdrivers
Piggyback Riders -- 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: have children choose partners to give each other piggyback rides; sweeper, dust rags,
The Certificate And The Gift -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gift certificate and an actual present
The Sponge -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Easter)
Your Roots -- Colossians 2:6-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: several plants at various stages of growth with their roots exposed

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Cry, The Beloved Country -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Alan Paton's book, Cry, The Beloved Country, suggests a valid answer to racism.
Education And The Ends -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Education in life deals with ends:
A True Substitute -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was once a trombone player who became too ill to march in a parade.
Eternity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
So live that when thy summons comes to joinThe innumerable caravan that moves
Father's Day And The Trinity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Trinity: three in one,John was a man's son.
Food For Thought -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There was a healthy controversy in England over a newspaper editorial that criticized a particular p
For A Dead Rabbit? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was the season of the year when snow melts and springtime rains had raised the nearby stream to f
For Thoughtful Worship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On the dossal cloth behind the central altar of the New Haven United Methodist Church in Indiana, ar
Forgiveness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
To return evil for good is devil-like,To return evil for evil is animal-like,
Four Things A Man Must Do -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Four things a man must learn to doIf he would make his record true:

Stories

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Holiness is not a series of do's and don'ts, but a conformity to God's character in the very depths
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A "yes" to God is a "no" to things that hurt His Holiness.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Being a friend of God is the essence of holiness.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The carnal person is overcome by the world, while the holy person overcomes the world through the po
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While the title to eternal life is given to us in our justification, the Lord leads us into the pos
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The first priority of my life is to be holy, and the second goal of my life is to be a scholar." (J
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not a place to linger, but a pathway to walk.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Jesus put a great emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit and the necessary power and presence He of
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit was not given to you to make you rich, famous, or spectacular, but to equip you for
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Just as the fluid in the eye keeps the dirt out of the eyes, so the constant cleansing presence of

Prayer

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Candlelighting service

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Easter

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Death

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Christian

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Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

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Mother's Day

Gathering Prayer

Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

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Christian Faith

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Pentecost
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Trinity Sunday
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 5 (OT 10, Pent 2)
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

William G. Carter
An unusual piece of mail arrived at the office the other day. Inside the envelope was a colorful brochure, a response card, and a prepaid business reply envelope. A computer-generated cover letter was addressed to First Presbyterian Church.
Stan Purdum
Pentecost is considered the birth date of the church universal. There was also planted that day, in the preaching of the apostle Peter, an important seed -- the fruit of which was almost lost at one point in the church's history. That seed was in this statement by Peter: "Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21).
Steven E. Albertin
They had been waiting so long for this. It was an interminable fifty days since Jesus had risen from the dead. It had been ten long days since Jesus had ascended into heaven from that mountain outside of Jerusalem and that angel had told them to go back to Jerusalem and wait. They had to wait again for what must have seemed like an eternity to finally receive what they had been waiting for -- the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Mark Ellingsen
It's Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the birth of the Church and the giving of the Holy Spirit, as our lesson from Acts (2:1-21) reports. But the Bible makes it clear that it was not just on that first Pentecost that the Holy Spirit was given. It happened to some in Old Testament times (Judges 6:34; 1 Samuel 11:6; 16:13). However, the Spirit was also given during Jesus' own life on earth. Here's the story.
Larry M. Goodpaster
One of the several things we all have in common is the sheer enjoyment of receiving gifts. While we may not always say so, our feelings are at least slightly wounded if our birthday is forgotten. Christmas is not memorable if, because of economic conditions, or because we were extravagant with gifts for others, our gifts are fewer in number. I've also observed that as many of us add years to our lives, the gifts we do receive are more predictable and much more practical.
Schuyler Rhodes
Today is Pentecost. Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God. Today we celebrate the birthday of the Church of Jesus Christ, recalling our ancestors in the faith who received the power of God's Holy Spirit and began a journey which we continue in this moment as we take on the struggle to become a faithful people in today's world. Today we celebrate the arrival of the Advocate, the Spirit who accompanies and partners with us in life and faith.
Gary L. Carver
To be asked to speak or pray in public sent shivers of terror down his spine. He had a small part in his high school play. He froze. When it came time for him to deliver his lines, he could not say a word. He never completely recovered from that humiliation and embarrassment. But if you needed a nurse during a painful or sleepless long night, he was your man. With dozens of people for dozens of years often late into the night, he administered the "sacrament of the coffee pot" as he listened and counseled with a wisdom from a source other than his own.
James L. Killen, Jr.
The story of the Day of Pentecost tells of a pivotal event in the history of God's work in the world. It tells of the emerging of a very important aspect of the Christian faith and of the birth of the church.
Stephen M. Crotts
Have you ever noticed how we preachers often promote the early church as if it were the ideal? "Why, they did a miracle a day in the early church." "When they had a prayer meeting, everyone came!" " They spoke in Greek then!" (As if it were some sort of superior language!) On and on we can go browbeating ourselves by comparison.

Yet, when one really studies the Bible, he discovers that early believers weren't perfect either. Moses had his temper. Noah got drunk. David fell into adultery. Peter couldn't keep his vows and Paul and Barnabas split up over a disagreement.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: The day of Pentecost is upon us.
All: Those who have been touched by tongues of fire
can speak as though in native languages.
One: In worship together, let us share with each other.
All: Let us share our bread, our wine, and our prayers.
One: We come to the Lord's table.
All: It is spread before us.

Prayer Of The Day
One: Spirit of the Living God,
visit us again on this day of Pentecost,
All: come, Holy Spirit.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
Fire Of God, Undying Flame (NCH64)
Wind Who Makes All Winds That Blow (NCH271, CBH31, UM38, PH131)
Filled With The Spirit's Power (NCH266, CBH289, UM537)
Like The Murmur Of A Dove's Song (CBH29, UM544, PH314)
O Spirit Of The Living God (CBH361, UM539)
Spirit Of The Living God (PH322)
Many And Great, O God (NCH3, UM148, PH271)
I Sing The Mighty Power Of God (CBH46, UM152, PH288)

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
For May 24, 2026:

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'receive the Holy Spirit.' (v. 22)

Good morning, boys and girls. I am so happy to see you this morning. You know why I'm happy? I am happy because you are here at worship ? and I am really happy to tell you about something amazing! Are you ready to hear about it?  (children answer)

There are some things in life that are invisible. But they are very real. For example, here in my hands I am holding some air. (cup hands like holding air) (shows air to children)
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus comes to us even when we are afraid and gives us the power to live as his followers.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus promised his friends that great power would be available to them when he had finally disappeared from this earth. That power came on the Day of Pentecost. In our worship today let us explore what sort of power this was and whether it is still available to us.


Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I have difficulty connecting with things that happened 2,000 years ago.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I assume that all your power was in the past, belonging to a by-gone age.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Happy Birthday"
Shining Moments: "Wrapped in Pentecost" by Kate Jones
Sermon Starter: "Do You Have Charisma?" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "What the World Needs Now..." by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
David O. Bales
Contents
"Rauch" by C. David McKirachan
"Claustrophobia" by David O. Bales


* * * * * * * *


Ruach
by C. David McKirachan
Acts 2:1-21

Emphasis Preaching Journal

We've all seen them -- women and men, girls and boys, wrestling with huge sails attached to a small board, seeking to stand and balance and catch both the wind and the waves just right -- windsurfers. It is one of the hardest sports to learn and succeed at, but to those who have made it an art, it is one of the most rewarding experiences of freedom. One stands between heaven and earth, supported by nothing more than the fluid surface of a lake or ocean, and powered by the breath of this world's atmosphere. To catch the right breeze is a craft not easily learned.

Special Occasion

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