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Worship

SermonStudio

Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Lent 2 -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Proper 15 / Ordinary Time 20 / Pentecost 10 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 16 / Ordinary Time 21 / Pentecost 14 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 10 / Ordinary Time 15 / Pentecost 5 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37, Psalm 82 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Julia Ross Strope -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Lent 5 -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8, Psalm 126 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Proper 24 / Ordinary Time 29 / Pentecost 22 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Proper 22 / Ordinary Time 27 / Pentecost 20 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Proper 19 / Ordinary Time 24 / Pentecost 17 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 14 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,

Drama

SermonStudio

Holy Ground -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Cast Sunday School Teacher Sunday School Students: Chris Wilson
Holy Water -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Youth Group: Ernie Errol Earl Emmett
Witnesses To The Light: Mary of Magdala -- I Have Seen The Lord! -- Luke 8:1-3 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Angels Fantastic Marvelous Wonderful Gabriel
The Bee Attitudes -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Cast Crystal Doris Garrison Vanessa Olivia Taylor
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
It’s So Christmas-See! -- Myra Shofner -- 2007
Setting
Christmas, Then And Now: As Witnessed By The Angels -- Robert V. Dodd -- 2007
Production Notes
A Christmas Remembrance -- 2007
Characters Narrator Elder Julia Theodotus and his family
The Christmas Stranger Returns -- Bill Thomas -- 2007
Summary
The Christmas Stranger -- Bill Thomas -- 2007
Summary

Sermon

SermonStudio

Clearing the Eyes -- John 9:1-41 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
The scripture today is one of honest inquiry but turns quickly to a realization that what the discip
I've Seen the Lord -- John 20:1-18 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Easter Day - A -- 2017
You and I come here for a variety of different reasons this Easter morning.
Friday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Good Friday - A -- 2017
It doesn’t matter how many times I read, listen to, or watch a biography of Abraham Lincoln I am alw
Nicodemus Came By Night -- John 3:1-17 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Nicodemus came by night. Why by night? Why in darkness?
But What of Lazarus? -- John 11:1-45 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
There is a cave. It is a tomb. There is a stone. It must be rolled away.
For the Glow of It -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Our Ash Wednesday service is full of rich symbols.
Charged with Grandeur -- Genesis 1--2, Psalm 8 -- Christopher Keating -- 2016
Copied on the front of the bulletin were verses from Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem, “C
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.
A Dance in the Desert -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Even though we like laughter and enjoy praise and celebration, especially at this time of year, it d
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

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Walk In The Light -- 1 John 1:7 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: 1 John 1:7
Football Versus Love -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
(for a Sunday between the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day)
Ascending To Heaven -- Luke 24:51-53 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Luke 24:51-53
Praise Joyfully -- Psalm 98:4 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Psalm 98:4
Sowing A Seed -- Luke 8:11 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Thankful -- Ephesians 5:20 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Actions Speak Louder Than Words -- Matthew 21:28-31a -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Can I Give Enough? -- Mark 12:41-44 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Love Your Neighbor As Yourself -- Matthew 22:39b -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference Love your neighbor as yourself.
Does God Use Children? -- 2 Kings 5:1-3, John 6:5-13 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture References

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Pentecost Sunday -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Easter 3 -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 10 / Pentecost 7 / Ordinary Time 15 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day It's all in God's hands! Collect of the Day
Lent 4 -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Taking sin seriously. Collect of the Day
Epiphany 2 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day God is present unexpectedly in all spheres of life!
Proper 7 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Pay attention: God's ways are marvelous.
All Saints -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day How Christ makes us saints. Collect of the Day
Proper 25 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day God rescues us from ourselves.
Advent 4 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Our Savior is coming! Collect of the Day

Stories

SermonStudio

A Time To Laugh -- John 20:19-31 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Easter is a time of surprises.
The Church Should Go To Hell! -- Luke 4:1-13 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Many churches, as part of their routine of worship, engage in the "passing of the peace." The practi
Water Into Wine -- John 2:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2009
Weddings are special.
A Fool And His Money -- Luke 12:13-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
A fool and his money are soon parted, right?
A Tale Of Two Sisters -- Luke 10:38-42 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2009
With a title like "A Tale Of Two Sisters," this should open with something like, "It was the best of
The Legacy Of Jesus -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- David E. Leininger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2009
A certain widow expected to inherit all her late husband's wealth.
When Faith Faces Disaster -- Luke 15:1-10 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
This text appears in the lectionary cycle just about the time of the America's remembrance of the Se
A Faith That Matters Between Sundays -- Romans 3:19-28 -- David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2009
On October 31, 1571, an Augustinian monk by the name of Martin Luther marched up to the castle churc
Dinner Guests -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
The lectionary uses verse 1 of Luke chapter 14 to set the scene: "When Jesus went to eat in the hous
Our Family Inheritance -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
We speak of being "baptized into Christ." Baptized ... wanna fight? Let's talk about baptism.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Your Son on the cross is a strange sight for the people of our day, heavenly Parent.
Sundays after Epiphany -- John 15:15 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, we thank you for our friends. How precious they are.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It isn't easy, Good Shepherd, to see ourselves as we truly are.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Redeemer, how we need you. There's something unfinished within us that only you can complete.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we were younger, O God, we could easily tell the difference between right and wrong.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Savior, we praise your name.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
In honesty, Eternal God, we confess that we have doubts about a way of life -- such as you revealed
Ash Wednesday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It is not easy, heavenly Spirit, owning up to our mistakes -- honestly presenting ourselves to you w
Ash Wednesday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Gracious God, how grateful we are that you are available to us.
Ash Wednesday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, we thank you for the promise of springtime; for infant birds breaking out of their shells; fo

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 11 -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
...
Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 11 -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.
Proper 6 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2009
And Ahab said to Naboth, "Give me your vineyard, so that I may have it for a vegetable garden, be
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 96 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Say among the nations, "The Lord is king!" -- Psalm 96:10a
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Or am I still trying to please people?
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death.
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Psalm 146 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wick
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2009
For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of

Poems

SermonStudio

Sunday of the Passion -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Andrew Daughters -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1990
In the shadows of the gardenkneels the darker shadow yetof a man upon his knees
Pentecost -- John 7:37-39a -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Holy Spirit, Living Water,flowing from the Father’s throne,
Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Jesus said to his apostles,'Peace be with you, peace.
Proper 21 -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1990
The apostles were not very happy one day,the result of what they saw as danger,
Proper 12 -- John 6:1-15 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1990
Mother, you could never guess.It’s a miracle, no less.
Proper 13 -- John 6:24-35 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1990
When the Israelites wandered for yearsin the wilderness, haunted by fears,
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Andrew Daughters -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Ann’s daughter, Mary,had a great vision:a messenger angel,bearing a promise.
Proper 14 -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1990
Questions, questions, always questions,Most of them begin with, 'How?'
Proper 15 -- John 6:51-58 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1990
Lord, you just don’t make it easywhen you say to follow you,
Proper 16 -- John 6:55-69 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1990
Many folks had left the Lordwhen his mighty claim they heard:

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

The Cost Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- 2004
One of the undeniable marks of a great leader is that he makes his expectations very clear.
Matthew: When Others Reject You -- Matthew 9:9-13 -- 2004
A few years ago, I had an unusual thing happen in my church.
Thomas: The Disciple From Missouri -- John 20:24-29 -- 2004
In the Broadway play, My Fair Lady, Eliza Doolittle sings "Don't talk of stars burning above,
Nathanael: Do You Need An Alias? -- John 1:43-51; 21:2 -- 2004
Several years ago, we were on a short vacation and went to one of the theme parks.
James: The Unknown Disciple -- Matthew 10:3 -- 2004
It is fascinating to visit some of our historical landmarks in Washington, D.C., like the Lincoln Me
Peter: Taking The First Step -- Matthew 14:22-32 -- 2004
Recently, I had a very important meeting with my brother at The Ballpark in Arlington.
Thaddaeus: A Rose By Any Other Name -- John 14:19-24 -- 2004
One evening when the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, was here, he wanted to get a Texas stea
Simon: The Daring Gamble -- Luke 6:15 -- 2004
Charles was a mover and shaker at one time in Washington, D. C.
Philip: Look Before You Leap -- John 1:43-51 -- 2004
I know of an incident that happened a few years ago in New York City.
Walking Your Talk -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners

Youth Resources

Monologues

SermonStudio

The Lot Fell On Matthias -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26< -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
In the film, The Silence, a young Mennonite farmer is chosen by lot to be the minister in his congre
Cornelius: Man Of Decision -- Acts 10:1-11:3 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
Jesus instructed his apostles to take the Gospel into all the world.
Demetrius: Business Is Business -- Acts 19:1-20:1 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
The scroll is worn and old; worms have taken a word here and there; the Greek is the Greek of the ma
Mark: A Second Chance -- Luke 15:4-7 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
Place yourself, for a moment, in ancient Rome: not in the Forum or a palace or the Colosseum - that
God's Great Trumpet Call -- Romans 1:1, 7, 15-16; 3:23; 5:1, 6-11; 8:1; 16:1-2 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
In a house in ancient Corinth, eight men and a woman sit on low cushions, all their attention rivete
Mary of Bethany: My Radical Sister -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
"Martha, your work must be punished and counted as naught ...
Joseph Of Arimathea: Closet Christian -- John 19:38-42 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
In Glastonbury, England, some curious hawthorn bushes flower twice a year.
Which, Simon: A Boat Or A Life? -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Robert F. Scott -- 1996
Every child in church school knows of Jesus' call to Simon and Andrew, James and John to become "fis
Joseph Ponders -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Edward G. Hunter -- 1994
It is in the early hours of that first Christmas morn.
Melchior Reminisces -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Edward G. Hunter -- 1994
My name is Melchior.

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Where Do You Think You Are? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A well-known gangster burglar died and in the next world found things to be very pleasant.
Crackers And Cheese -- Psalm 103:2-5 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
An old story often told but without much application was the one about a poor immigrant coming to Am
The Erector Set -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The late United Methodist Bishop, F.
We Thought We Heard The Angels Sing -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
One of the miracle stories of World War II involved seven servicemen whose Flying Fortress plane wen
The Man In An Old Corduroy Coat -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The telephone rang in a noted surgeon's home on the outskirts of a large city.
What A Beautiful Pearl! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
You know how irritation can upset a person.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A young boy living in New York City was reluctantly taking piano lessons.
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.
Masada -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
King Herod I of Israel was a fearful man.

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

What Sort Of World Is This? -- Psalm 2 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? -- Psalm 2:1
Nowhere Man? -- Psalm 1 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,
Our Hope Is A Forever Thing! -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
A little girl lived near a cemetery and often had to walk through it after dark.
Hope And The Power Of God's Presence -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
We must all come to terms with the reality that we can never understand the meaning of hope if that
Hopeful Understanding -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
Every time our human will trumps our need to discover God's will, we are in trouble.
Living Between Now And Not Yet -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted.
How Can I Do What I Don't Want To Do? -- Mark 14:32-42 -- Bill Thomas -- 2008
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He
Am I Willing To Die To Myself? -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Bill Thomas -- 2008
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked hi
How Can I Handle The Stress Of Living? -- Mark 6:30-44 -- Bill Thomas -- 2008
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.
Preserving The Hope-Filled Life -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
For I can do everything with the hope of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

Children's Resources

SermonStudio

Jesus And Zacchaeus -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorMan 1Man 2Man 3
Jesus And Nicodemus -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorNicodemusJesus
Jesus And The Woman At The Well -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJesusDiscipleWoman
Jesus And Peter's Confession -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJamesJohnPeter
Jesus And The Transfiguration -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJohnPeterJames
Jesus And The Wise Men -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorLukeMaryJoseph

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also -- Matthew 6:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
When the ox is in the ditch -- Luke 14:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: When the ox is in the ditch Location: Luke 14:5
Whatever you do, do it the best you can -- Ecclesiastes 9:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Whatever you do, do it the best you can
We came in with nothing -- 1 Timothy 6:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: We came in with nothing Location: 1 Timothy 6:7
Wash my hands of the whole thing -- Matthew 27:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Wash my hands of the whole thing
Vengeance is the Lord's -- Romans 12:19 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Vengeance is the Lord's Location: Romans 12:19
Vanity, all is vanity -- Ecclesiastes 1:2 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Vanity, all is vanity Location: Ecclesiastes 1:2
A two-edged sword -- Revelation 1:16 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A two-edged sword Location: Revelation 1:16
Teeth set on edge -- Jeremiah 31:29-30 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Teeth set on edge Location: Jeremiah 31:29-30
Take it to heart -- Isaiah 57:1 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Take it to heart Location: Isaiah 57:1 (NRSV)

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

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