Login / Signup

SermonStudio

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

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

You Are My Witness -- Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:44-53 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1996
The inauguration of Nelson Mandela as president of the Republic of South Africa goes down in the ann
From Rejection To Redemption -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Gloria Steinem has written a book titled Marilyn.
Pain And Promise In The Heart Of God -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
One of the amazing claims of the Judaeo-Christian heritage is that God takes on the attributes of hu
Pain and Promise in the Heart of God -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
One of the amazing claims of the Judaeo-Christian heritage is that God takes on the attributes of hu
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Many scholars view this narrative as one occasioned by the fear of an uncertain future followed by a
No Box Seats In The Kingdom -- Mark 10:35-45 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
Historically speaking, the church has usually painted a pretty picture of the twelve original disci
Beware Of Your Piety -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Whatever happened to Lent?
When The Odds Are Against Us -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
I recently had the privilege of introducing Maya Angelou who addressed a luncheon honoring Cecil Wil
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Many scholars view this narrative as one occasioned by the fear of an uncertain future followed by a
Can You See Where We're Going? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
A cigar-chomping realtor was driving around a young couple to search for their first dream house.
Easter Jogging -- John 20:1-18 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
He is Risen. "He is Risen, indeed," we respond. We sound the trumpet.
When It's Hard To Give Thanks -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) was the first black artist to acquire an international reputation in
All Dressed Up And Somewhere to Go! -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
In Tennessee Williams' play Sweet Bird of Youth, the heckler says to Miss Lucy, "I believe that the
What To Say When You Roll Out Of Bed -- Mark 12:28-34 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
A few years ago, a radio station ran a contest.
Easter Power -- John 20:19-31 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Storms that knock out electrical systems make us mindful of how dependent we are upon power.
Ready Or Not -- He Comes -- Mark 13:33-37 -- John A. Stroman -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
There is a passage in the old Jewish book of Zohar, that goes like this: "Whenever the Jews on earth
A Little Book Of Comfort -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1996
The lectionary text for today is part of a larger unit that has sometimes been called "The Little Bo
Commitment Beyond Calculation -- Mark 12:38-44 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Here she is again: the widow who goes up to the temple treasury to put in her two cents.
Easter Understanding -- Luke 24:35-48 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Edward Schillebeeckx, an outstanding Roman Catholic New Testament Scholar, some twenty years ago pub
Have You Heard The Good News? -- Mark 1:1-8 -- John A. Stroman -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Have you heard the good news?
He Abides In Us -- John 15:1-8 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
John Updike once more revealed his remarkably brilliant powers of description in the novel Brazil.
Light In The Land Of Shadows -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
On a trip to Munich, Germany, Samuel Miller had a chance to watch Karl Vallentin, the last of the gr
Something To Do While The World Falls Apart -- Mark 13:1-8 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
A number of years ago, leaders in a church decided to track down the congregation's drop-outs.
He Shepherds Us! -- John 10:11-18 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Andrew Young, former delegate to the United Nations and former mayor of Atlanta, finally published t
A Voice Crying In The Wilderness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John A. Stroman -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The people wondered who John the Baptist was.

Spirituality

Stories

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Jesus Calms the Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Jesus Predicted His Death -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living Christ
Passion Sunday -- Numbers 15:1-10 -- Betty Lynn Schwab
Minister: When the hour had come, Jesus sat at table, and the apostles with him.
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Jesus Clears the Temple -- John 2:13-22 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living Christ
He Spoke From the Cross -- Ralph E. Dessem
The Minister: As he gazed from the cross he said, "Forgive them, Father!
Jesus, a Prophet Without Honor Among His Own Friends -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus -- John 3:14-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living ChristPastoral Invitation
ADDITIONAL IDEAS FOR LENT -- Ralph E. Dessem
MY SINS NAILED TO THE CROSS
No Need to Worry -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
Jesus Predicts His Death -- John 12:20-33 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living ChristPastoral Invitation
AN 18-HOUR DEVOTIONAL VIGIL -- Ralph E. Dessem
(Many churches in recent years have observed a prayer vigil of 12 or 24 hours.
Be Alert/Be Prepared -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
The Transfiguration of Jesus -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
We Begin On The MountainChoral Introit
Lent -- Wayne H. Keller
LentThe Season Of RenewalLiturgical Color: Purple
SCRIPTURE READINGS -- Ralph E. Dessem
THE SCRIPTURE READINGThe Penitential Psalm (No. 32)
Preparing the Way -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus about Birth and Second Birth -- John 3:1-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - B
Consider a silent communion with the worshipers focused on the Cross and communion table still cover
MAUNDY THURSDAY HOME COMMUNION SERVICE -- Ralph E. Dessem
INTRODUCTION:(Read by host or hostess to participants)
Witnessing and Previewing -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
The Triumphal Entry -- Mark 11:1-11; 14:1-15:47; or 15:1-39 (40-47) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Passion Sunday - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living ChristNote:
Announcing, to Mary, the birth of Jesus -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
Receiving the Holy Spirit, Who is the Present Tense of Christ in the World -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - B
Consider this:
The Season Of Expectancy -- Wayne H. Keller
AdventLiturgical Color: Purple/Blue

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL