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Worship

SermonStudio

Welcome Bread -- Genesis 18:1-16 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
When I was a college junior, a music group I played in took a trip to Europe.
Unleavened Bread -- Exodus 12:1-11 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
The other day, I picked up my daughter at high school and took her out for lunch.
Daily Bread -- Exodus 16:1-21, Luke 11:1-4 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
A few years ago, a young American man was lost in the Australian desert.
More Than Bread -- Deuteronomy 8:1-18 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
Some of my earliest memories from childhood are of times when our family gathered to eat.
Abundant Bread -- Mark 6:30-44 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
It was almost 35 years ago, but I can still see his face, staring into mine, pleading with me.
Body Bread -- 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
A few years ago, I participated in a World Hunger Meal.
Betrayer's Bread -- Mark 14:12-22 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
Good Friday is a story of betrayal. But who, exactly, betrayed Jesus that day?
The Bread Of Life -- Isaiah 25:6-8, John 6:25-35 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Jesus said, "I am the bread of life ...
The Path Of Maturity -- Ephesians 4:1-16, 1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13, Psalm 90 -- William Grimbol -- 2008
Ash Wednesday Introduction The Path Of Maturity
Day Of Nothing -- So Why Are We Here? -- Matthew 27:57-66 -- Mary Hoover, Amy Jo Jones -- 2008
Opening Music Welcome And Announcements Call To Worship

Drama

SermonStudio

Journey To The Heart Of Christmas -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Miriam Hamid David
No Small Parts -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) First Child (Lead Angel)
The Greatest News Of All -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Bureau Chief
Christmas: Before And After -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Elizabeth Mary
"Unto Us A Child Is Born... Next, On Omar" -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Jacob Omar Looseandfree
The Word Made Flesh -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Father (Aaron) Benjamin Esther
Miracles? No Problem! -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Elizabeth Mary Gabriel
Home By Another Way -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Wise Man 1 Wise Man 2
Where Is Your Lamb? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
I am the good shepherd.
Who Is Your King? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Emperor Guard Advisor Narrator Drummer

Sermon

SermonStudio

Love Actually -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2011
A young man visiting a very small town in Virginia struck up a conversation with an older gentleman
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.
Are We Withering on the Vine? -- John 15:1-8 -- John W. Clarke -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Jesus made pronouncement statements in John's gospel.
Living a Joyful Life -- John 15:9-17 -- John W. Clarke -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Throughout this Easter season we have talked about the importance of staying connected to Jesus even
Reflections of a Healthy Church -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John W. Clarke -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2011
Ascension Day is a good time for the Christian community to assess where it has been and where it is
A Time Between Time -- John 17:6-19 -- John W. Clarke -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Today is the last in the season of Eastertide.
The One that Got Away -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2011
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good
A Sense of Place -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2011
Novelist William Faulkner only knew about 100 square miles of rural Mississippi but he made it fasci
Teach Your Dollars to Make More Sense! -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2011
And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury.
Pontius Pilate on Trial -- John 18:33-37 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2011
Have you ever seen a warning sign at an old railroad crossing? "Stop! Look! Listen!" it reads.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

A Direct Line To Jesus -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, I saw you looking in the phone book. What are you doing, anyway?
The Bloofer Box -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. I'm glad you're here.
Respect For Older People -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Why do I have to say, "Ma'am"? Why should I respect older people?
Don't Wait Until The Season Is Ove -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Wasn't that a great football game at the high school yesterday, Peter?
The Sunday School Offering -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, Sunday school has started. How come you're not in class?
Where's The Berries? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, your mom tells me you don't want to go to Sunday school any more.
Free Air -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Pastor does some deep breathing exercises)
Lox vs. Pork Chops -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hello, Peter. What are you up to?
God's Gifts -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter. You look happy today.
Will Roast Pig Bring Us Luck? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, boys and girls. Good morning, Peter!

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a growing and dangerous form of Christian faith spreading around the land.
Psalm 45:10-17 -- Psalm 45:10-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Here is a woman who is given over to a new "Lord." The advice is clear, even curt.
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Leaders of all stripes have always had sycophants in abundance to sustain their delusion of power.
Psalms 42 and 43 -- Psalm 42, Psalm 43 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Thirst is a powerful thing.
Psalm 41 -- Psalm 41 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Most of us love the church.
Psalm 40:1-11 -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is an unwritten law in lines at the local supermarket.
Psalm 36:5-10 -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is nothing quite so wonderful as someone you can trust.
Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (v. 1).
Psalm 34:1-8 (9-22) -- Psalm 34:1-8 (9-22) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The most fervent of prayers we can offer up to God is the living out of our lives in faithfulness.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Language Of The Heart -- Psalm 98 -- David E. Leininger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things ...
A Winsome Witness -- Acts 8:26-40 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
He was an Ethiopian bigwig.
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.
The Family Album -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
Laugh, Thomas, Laugh! -- John 20:19-31 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
The first Sunday after Easter is Holy Humor Sunday, as it is celebrated in many places.
A "No Surprises" Easter -- John 20:1-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
Why do so many millions gather for worship on Easter morning?
Sunday's Comin' -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
"Hope springs eternal in the human breast." "Where there's life, there's hope." You might have heard
Waiting And Remembering -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- David E. Leininger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2008
This was a special night.
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.
Hope -- John 12:20-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Word had begun to spread about Jesus.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal God, as accustomed as we are to all kinds of people demonstrating on our streets, we find ou
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
God, our Redeemer, how refreshing it is to come again to this place of worship.
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
How good it is, our Savior and Creator, to assemble here this morning.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Now, O God, we thank you for the end of war. What a gruesome spectacle it was.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Today, our Creator, we remember those who have served our country as members of the armed forces.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Galatians 5:1 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
What a powerful idea, Eternal God, lurks within the word independence.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Heavenly Redeemer, as a country we remember and glorify our past battles and wars.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We know what we want to pray for, O God, but we're not sure it will do any good.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, O Sovereign God, when we look at the meagerness of our gifts and abilities, we wonder wha
Thanksgiving Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Lord, the world around us is brimful of good things -- indeed the harvest has been plentiful.

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
... and they knelt down and paid him homage.... -- Matthew 2:11
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths strai
Advent 4 -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Ch
Advent 4 -- Psalm 80:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. -- Psalm 80:3
Advent 4 -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
And he shall be the one of peace. -- Micah 5:5a
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. -- Luke 3:16
Advent 3 -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Advent 3 -- Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. -- Isaiah 12:3
Advent 3 -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
... The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.... -- Zephaniah 3:15
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Fishing -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Mark Twain once said, "Do not tell fish stories where the
Flattery -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
An office boy noticed two women at lunch with his boss. Later
Flood -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A man who had survived the Johnstown Flood, and ever since
Fool And Fooled -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Henry Ward Beecher was a controversial preacher and received
Football -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
One university football coach has announced he is going to try
Forgiveness -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Two sisters kept up a feud in Scotland for 30 years. Alice
Funerals -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A Texas preacher was asked to conduct the funeral for a known
God -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A little boy one day wrote a letter to God. In it he said,
Grandparents -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Someone has observed, "Grandchildren are those remarkable
Half-Truths -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
In his autobiography, the late Senator Claude Pepper recalled

Faith Development

Bible Study

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

You can't take it with you -- 1 Timothy 6:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: You can't take it with you
You will have to give account for every idle word you speak -- Matthew 12:36 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: You will have to give account for every idle word you speak
Your labor is not in vain -- 1 Corinthians 15:58 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Your labor is not in vain Location: 1 Corinthians 15:58

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

Schuyler Rhodes
This story about Stephen is a hard one to preach about these days. Lately, the idea of martyrdom has fallen under a bit of a cloud, don't you think? What do you think of when you hear about martyrs? In my experience, a martyr is either reduced to a psychological complex foisted off on someone who does too much for others, or it's a poor child with a dynamite vest ready to doom himself or herself and plenty of others for the sake of the cause, and the cash benefits paid to the family, after the fact. There's no question about it. The stock on martyrdom is way, way down these days.
David E. Leininger
"Christ is our cornerstone!" That motto was chosen over a century ago for the congregation I now serve. It was October 29, 1895, at 2:30 in the afternoon, that the grandparents and great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the forebears of today's congregation, gathered outside in Pennsylvania's autumn chill to see the laying of the cornerstone of the church building that has been in use ever since.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.

First Lesson
Acts 7:55-60
The Stoning Of Stephen
Derl G. Keefer
C. Neil Strait
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
God is ready to swoop down and rescue us from the burdens we carry and to lift the heart aches! Our God has known us since birth through old age and gray hair and He will sustain us today!

OFFERING THOUGHT
The secret of money is enjoying the opportunity of giving it away for the glory of God.

BENEDICTION
May the God who transforms disappointments to joy do that for you this week. Amen.



SERMON BRIEFS

Holiness, The Trademark Of A Holy Person
Lee Griess
The great American humorist, Will Rogers, had the reputation that he could make anyone laugh. President Calvin Coolidge, on the other hand, had the reputation that he never laughed. Want to know what happened the time those two met? Rogers was invited to visit the White House and as was the custom, the president's assistant brought Rogers into the Oval Office. As was the custom as he entered, the assistant said, "President Coolidge, this is Will Rogers. Mr. Rogers, this is President Coolidge." To which Rogers leaned forward and said, "I'm sorry.
Richard L. Sheffield
Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14:1 NRSV).

Since everything that follows for the rest of the passage I just read from John is commentary on that, we need to hear that clearly, before we hear anything else.

This is the closest English can get to the Greek of John's Gospel: "Let not be troubled of you the heart; Believe in God, also in me believe."1

And here are the translations of others who have listened and interpreted these words for you and me:
Robert J. Elder
In the earliest experience of the church, the apostles soon discovered that their teaching and preaching duties were taking an incredible amount of energy. As the community of believers grew in numbers, and they continued in their commitment to hold all things in common, it became obvious that some details of the life of the community would need more attention than the twelve apostles themselves could give. It was decided to appoint deacons to serve the needs of the church, particularly the needs of the poor and widows who could no longer care for themselves. Seven were appointed.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Forgiveness
P: We gather for worship in the name of the one who is
the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Amen.
P: The journey before us is one of letting go and taking hold.
As he prepares a place for us,
let us name the sin that clings to us, that we may find release.

Silence for reflection and self-examination

P: Unbelief, hatred, revenge,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
P: Gossip, despair, deceit,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Psalm 31:15-16)

One: My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

All: Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.


Collect
 Strengthen us, Lord, in the time of testing and trial, calling to mind the example of the martyrs who died for our faith. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For May 3, 2026:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
It is hard for us, living after the resurrection, to understand how Jesus, who was clearly a mortal man, could come to be worshipped as though he were God. Since we believe that Jesus did rise from the dead, we tend to endow his ministry with a divine glow. How could the authorities not see that Jesus was, indeed, the son of God? How did they explain away his miracles? How did they ignore how the average people felt about him?
David Kalas
What do you do between Act 2 and Act 3 of a performance? That depends upon who you are.

If you are like me, then you have attended a great many more shows, plays, and performances than you have participated in. And, as members of the audience, the time between acts is an intermission -- an opportunity to stretch your legs, to use the restroom, to enjoy some refreshments.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." In our worship today, let us explore these words and find out how to reach God through Jesus.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, show me the right way to God.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, lead me into the truth about God.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, give me the eternal life which you have promised.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Keith Hewitt
Scott Dalgarno
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Encounter in the Darkness" by Keith Hewitt
"Please Don't Forget Me" by Scott Dalgarno
"An Unwanted Gift" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
Peter Andrew Smith
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Words of Power" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Refuge" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


Words of Power
by Peter Andrew Smith
Acts 7:55-60

The principal looked at the boy holding the cloth up to his nose. His hair was dishevelled, his lip swollen, and his clothes bore the stains of the muddy playground. The nurse examined him but his bleeding nostrils seemed his greatest injury.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. (Show the rubbing of the cornerstone.) Does anyone know what I'm holding? (Let them answer.) This is a rubbing of the cornerstone of our church building. (Read to them what the cornerstone says. Tell them where the cornerstone is located.) I hope that when church is over this morning you can go out and look at and touch the real cornerstone. Cornerstones are very important. Does anyone know the purpose of a cornerstone? (Let them answer.) It's important because it is at the very foundation of our building. The church building is built on top of it.
Good morning, boys and girls. (Have your road map opened as you talk. Examine the map as you greet the children.) If I wanted to take a trip to (name a familiar city in your area) but I wasn't certain how to get there, what could I use to help me? (Let them answer.) A road map! I just happen to have one here. I'm looking for my direction right now. (Point out the way to your destination.) When you go on vacation do your parents sometimes give you road maps to follow? (Let them answer.) A road map is very important when you are going places that you've never been before.

Special Occasion

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