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Worship

SermonStudio

Maundy Thursday -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Theme: Priceless
Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Theme: Why Is This Night So Different?
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:13--53:12 Theme: Vindication. Trust Me.
Good Friday -- Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 Theme: Approach ...
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 18:1--19:42 Theme: You Are Here
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 10:34-43 Theme: Thank Heavens I Don't Get No Respect!
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 Theme: More To Be Pitied Than Envied
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 20:1-18 Theme: Ha!
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32 Theme: We Are Witnesses Of God's Love
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 1:4-8 Theme: Will The Real Jesus Please Stand Up!

Drama

SermonStudio

My Brother's Keeper -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
Theme
The King Forgives Sometimes -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
ThemeForgive others as God through Jesus has forgiven you.Summary
The Inmate -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Robert F. Crowley -- 1998
Theme
Payday -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
ThemeGod's generosity to all.Summary
Knock, Knock! -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Theme
The Wicked Pie Bakers -- Matthew 21:33-43 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
Theme
Many Are Called -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
ThemeHow does God feel about those who reject His Son?Summary
God And The State -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
ThemeHow do Christians ethically relate to their government?Summary
David The Giant Killer -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
ThemeKing David, the ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus, trusted God. Can we?
In His Debt -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
ThemeWhat is the motive behind our gifts to God?Summary

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Church's DNA -- Acts 4:32-35 -- David H. Webb -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Once upon a time, a dear woman struggled to muster enough strength to face the trials that came her
At The Heart -- Acts 3:12-19 -- David H. Webb -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
We have a new library in town.
Confident Faith -- Acts 4:5-12 -- David H. Webb -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
It is hard to find a more bold expression of the Easter faith than what we hear from Peter today in
Jesus Brings New Life -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
The end of World War II and the onset of the Cold War, which saw the super powers of the United Stat
Jesus Will Lead Us Home -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
The voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his 28 men aboard the Endurance bound for Antarctica,
Jesus Rescues Us -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Oskar Schindler, immortalized in Steven Spielberg's 1993 prize-winning film, Schindler's List
The Faithfulness Of God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Mrs.
The Christmas Message Of Hope -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
The wife of a poor merchant died, leaving him with five children, ranging from age six to fifteen.
God Makes All Things New -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
It was just a small, white envelope that stuck out among the branches of our Christmas tree.
God Is The Hound Of Heaven -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
Students of American history have always been fascinated by the life and career of the sixteenth pre

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Big Sin, Little Sin -- Luke 6:37-42 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I need a helper this morning. (Choose a youngster to assist you.) Let's see how tall you are.
Stain Remover -- 1 John 1:9 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Do you know what this is? (Children respond. Offer help if needed.) It's stain remover.
Trouble -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Can you read this word? (Children read from the game.) Trouble.
Too Close To The Edge -- Proverbs 4:14-15 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
I have a story for you today.
Pieces And Parts -- 1 Corinthians 12:14-21 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
(Display pictures one at a time, or if you have enough children, have four of them stand in front an
Change -- Isaiah 43:19 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Do you notice anything different this morning? Has anything been changed?
Serendipity! -- Matthew 6:33 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
There are some words in the English language that are just plain fun to say and hear.
Expectations -- Romans 15:7 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
How many of you love to go to school? Raise your hands. Suppose you loved to go school.
Gifts For Mom -- Proverbs 31:28 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
Today is a special day for us. Who knows what today is?
Thanks, Dad -- Exodus 20:12 -- Teresa L. Major -- 1998
There are many special days in a year and today is one of those days. Who knows what today is?

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day, Cycle
Easter 2 -- Psalm 133 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
This little gem of a psalm celebrates the joy of unity among comrades in the faith.
Easter 3 -- Psalm 4 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
This psalm is familiar to those whose liturgical traditions include an evening, or Evensong, service
Easter 4 -- Psalm 23 -- Stan Purdum -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
(See Lent 4, Cycle A, and Easter 4, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)
Easter 5 -- Psalm 22:25-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses
Lent 4 -- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Stan Purdum -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
(For an alternative approach to vv.
Lent 5 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stan Purdum -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
(See Ash Wednesday, Cycle A, and Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18, Cycle B, for alternativ
Lent 5 -- Psalm 119:9-16 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
The reason for this alternate lectionary selection, culled from the longest of the psalms, is undoub
Palm Sunday/Sunday Of The Passion -- Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Liturgy Of The Palms, Cycle A; see also The Re
Palm Sunday/Sunday Of The Passion -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Stan Purdum -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Liturgy Of The Passion, Cycles A and C, for al

Stories

SermonStudio

Silent Night, Holy Night -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Gregory L. Tolle -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of a great j
The Re-gifting Dilemma -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
I confess.
Cheerleading At Christmas -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Cheerleading is big -- especially in Texas and Oklahoma.
The Holy Land Experience -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
No one in their right mind would want to visit the Holy Land now.
Bethlehem Hope -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Bethlehem in December, 1995, was a far cry from Bethlehem of 4 B.C., or even the Bethlehem of 2003.
No Saints Here! -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
The area around Brighton, Colorado, some twenty miles northwest of Denver, has until recently been a
Microsoft *#!@&* -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
I don't want to use profane language in these pages, so I am going to resort to euphemism.
Deafening Decibels -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
My neighbor across the street stopped by one day to tell me he had petitioned the city council for a
A New Idea -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
The Utne Reader (named after its founder) is not at all like the Reader's Digest.
Christ The President Sunday -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
We have arrived at the last Sunday of the church year.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

The LORD Is My Shepherd -- Psalm 23 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want ...
The Earth Is The LORD's -- Psalm 24 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it,
To You, O LORD, I Lift Up My Soul -- Psalm 25 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach my your paths.
Vindicate Me, O LORD -- Psalm 26 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity,
The LORD Is My Light And And My Salvation -- Psalm 27 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after:
To You, O LORD, I Call -- Psalm 28 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Do not drag me away with the wicked ... they do not regard the works of the LORD,
Ascribe To The LORD, O Heavenly Beings -- Psalm 29 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength ... worship the LORD in holy splendor ...
I Will Extol You, O LORD -- Psalm 30 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O LORD, my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me ...
In You, O LORD, I Seek Refuge -- Psalm 31 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
... in your righteousness deliver me ...
Happy Are Those Whose Transgression Is Forgiven -- Psalm 32 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

Faith Development

Bible Study

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

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

Frank Luchsinger
Huckle the Cat and his school teacher Miss Honey the Bear, Bananas Gorilla, Captain Salty, Pig Will and Pig Won't, Sergeant Murphy the Police Dog, and my favorite, Lowly the Worm; if you know these names then you are familiar with the work of Richard Scarry, author and illustrator of children's books, who passed away in '94 at age 75. Scarry wrote over 250 books, which in thirty languages have sold over 100 million copies. He said, "The greatest compliment I can receive is to be told that some of my books are held together with more Scotch tape than there is paper in the original book.
David E. Leininger
We reflected earlier on Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and its assertion that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and were parents of a daughter. True, there is nothing at all in scripture to back up such a claim, but can you imagine what kind of parent Jesus would have been?
Constance Berg
Pastor Wallace was loved by many, many people. He had come to a rural, agricultural area and stayed for 41 years. He and his wife Bea had four children, three of whom would become pastors themselves. The fourth was a missionary teacher in Madagascar. Pastor Wallace's second and last call was to another rural church he started only thirty miles away. He stayed fifteen years. His reputation was tough but fair; disciplined but compassionate; strong but just.
Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Seasonal Theme
Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.

Theme For The Day
We are prayed for by Jesus that we might be unified with each other and with our God. A summary of the Season of Easter.

First Lesson
Acts 1:1-11
Return To The Upper Room
Stan Purdum
At first reading, this psalm presents a scattering of themes. Some scholars think it was not a psalm at all, but a listing of headings to a number of liturgical pieces. Most, however, see in Psalm 68 the underlying theme of the victory and reign of God, the Divine Warrior -- the God who was with the people of Israel in the wilderness (v. 7). Psalm 68 calls the kingdoms of the world to acknowledge that God is the warrior king who reigns over all. It presents God as the power and strength of the chosen people.
Carlos Wilton
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary. See The Ascension Of Our Lord, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

The brief Psalm 93 seems archaic, from the standpoint of our culture. The Lord is enthroned, here, as a cosmic king. The accoutrements of royalty are front and center: the robe of majesty, the girding-on of strength (suggesting a royal broadsword), the throne, the royal decree. Its message, loudly declared from the first verse onward, is simplicity itself: the Lord reigns!
George M. Bass
The church year theological clue
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 1:1--11 (C, RC, E, L)
David O. Bales
In 1936, near the beginning of the Spanish Civil War one horrible center of fighting was the Alcázar fortress near Toledo. In the middle of horrific fighting, however, every day the firing stopped twice in order to allow a blind beggar to tap his way on the street between the firing lines. We can imagine how welcome those few minutes were to the men on both sides. They probably hoped that the blind man walked slower to give them a few more seconds of peace. Then the reprieve ended and the slaughter again engulfed the two armies that were struggling to kill each other.1
Schuyler Rhodes
I love this story. It doesn't matter how many times I hear it, or how it's told, it never fails to grab me in a new and different way. It's really an incredible tale. And by incredible I mean just that. Without credibility! Who could actually buy a story like this? The disciples, cowardly and virtually faithless, abandoned the Master and scattered in the chaos of his arrest and execution.
Lee Griess
It's one of those stories that circulates around the internet. I don't know if it's true or not but it's so interesting that I have to share it with you. It seems that a woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen, shaking frantically with what looked like a wire running from his waist toward the electric outlet in the wall. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly electricity, she grabbed a piece of wood that was leaning by the back door, and gave him a good whack, breaking his arm in two places. It was a shame. He was not being electrocuted at all.
Richard L. Sheffield
I want to take the text seriously this morning. It would be easy not to, because Luke's story of the ascension of Jesus is not easy no matter how you take it. For you and me, twenty centuries later, this story may be very hard to take very seriously.

Our take on the ascension of Jesus might be on the order of liturgy as lift-off: Jesus being lifted up to the Air Force song: "Off we go into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sky!"

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 17, 2026:
  • When Jesus Prays by Chris Keating. Jesus’ high priestly prayer is rooted in the authority of God’s love, and not from a posture of authoritarian control. It is a prayer that the disciples might dwell in the abundance of eternal life by abiding in the love and unity Jesus has offered.
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 17, 2026:
  • When Jesus Prays by Chris Keating. Jesus’ high priestly prayer is rooted in the authority of God’s love, and not from a posture of authoritarian control. It is a prayer that the disciples might dwell in the abundance of eternal life by abiding in the love and unity Jesus has offered.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus prayed for us all, that we might be protected and united. In our worship today let us explored what it means to be one just as Jesus and the Father are one.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we are more ready to criticise other Christians than to be united with them.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we get hung up on small details instead of seeing the big picture.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are too selfish to open up and welcome other people.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Charles D. Reeb
John S. Smylie
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Wayne's Deployment" by Argile Smith
"In The Event of Power Failure" by Charles D. Reeb
"Where's the Finish Line?" by John Smylie


What's Up This Week
John E. Sumwalt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"The God of All Grace" by John Sumwalt
"Keeping the Word" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * *


The God of All Grace
by John Sumwalt
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
-- 1 Peter 5:10

CSSPlus

Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus has the authority to give eternal life.

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