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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Theme: Disaster!
Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Theme: Immortal, Invisible
Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-10 Theme: Looking To Find
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 Theme: Real Relief
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Theme: Pray For Who?
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:1-13 Theme: Follow The Money
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Theme: The Long Term
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Theme: A Few Of My Favorite Things
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:19-31 Theme: Pay Close Attention
Proper 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Lamentations 1:1-6 Theme: The Real 9/11

Drama

SermonStudio

The Rules -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1997
Theme
Cost Analysis -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1997
ThemeJesus asks so much of us, but he gave so much for us.
House On Sand -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 1997
Theme Our lives have to be built on the foundation of Jesus.
Temptation -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Robert F. Crowley -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Theme
The Narrow Door -- Luke 13:22-35 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Theme
Unfair -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
ThemeQuit complaining about your life. Repent and trust God.Summary
Documentary: The Wasteful Son -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
Theme
Factions -- Luke 20:9-19 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1997
ThemeChrist is the head of the Church and must be honored and obeyed.
The Tower Of Babel -- Genesis 11:1-9 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1997
Theme
The Race -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme

Sermon

SermonStudio

For The Life Of Betsy D. I. Smylie -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John S. Smylie -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2008
For many thousands of years, men and women of myriad tongues and races have gathered underneath the
Silence And Darkness -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John S. Smylie -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Looking For Jesus? -- John 20:1-18 -- John S. Smylie -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
The Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!
Speaking Peace -- John 20:19-31 -- John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
On the evening of that day, that first Easter Day, the disciples were gathered together, but as yet
The Five Senses -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
In the gospel text there is an opportunity to meet Jesus, using every one of our senses.
Fred And Barney -- John 10:11-18 -- John S. Smylie -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
I grew up in the suburbs, in a community outside of lower Manhattan.
Weed And Feed -- John 15:1-8 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
I think some people are natural-born gardeners.
The Little Golf Club -- John 15:9-17 -- John S. Smylie -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Our Lord's new commandment, to love one another as he has loved us, is easier said than done.
The Logical Conclusion -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John S. Smylie -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
For several years, I had the privilege of serving a congregation in upstate New York.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words -- John 17:6-19 -- John S. Smylie -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Actions and words are both important, but sometimes actions do speak louder than words.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Used Up -- Isaiah 26:4 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: This morning I would like to talk with you about things that seem to run out at just the wr
Many Parts - One Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: The other day I was thinking about how quickly all of you are growing up!
Getting Stronger -- Exodus 15:2 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many of you think you are strong? Do you have big muscles? Okay, let me take a look.
How Much Do You Want? -- Proverbs 16:3 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many of you like to go out to eat?
Creating -- Genesis 1:1-2 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do any of you take art as one of your classes in school?
Spaghetti -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do you like spaghetti?
Be Still -- Psalm 46:11 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: What are some of the noisiest places you can think of?
Our Senses -- Luke 2:30-31 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Today we are going to talk about the ways God created us so that we could experience the wo
Mail -- John 10:2-4 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Do you like to get mail?
It's True! -- John 20:25 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Let me tell you one of my favorite fish stories!

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

The Humble Exalted -- 2006
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has be
The Glorification Of The Christian -- Luke 9:28-36 -- 2006
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a
Why Seek The Living Among The Dead? -- Luke 24:1-9 -- 2006
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepa
Our Hearts Are Slow To Accept The Resurrection -- Luke 24:13-27 -- 2006
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerus
Darkness Does Not Overcome Light/Death Does Not Overcome Life -- John 1:1-5 -- 2006
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The Water Of This Life Changed Into The Wine Of The Next -- John 2:1-11 -- 2006
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee.
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:22-40 -- 2006
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one b
We Can Trust Jesus' Words -- John 7:14-17 -- 2006
Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach.
Do We Really Believe? -- John 11:20-27 -- 2006
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
Love One Another -- John 13:33-35 -- 2006
"My children, I will be with you only a little longer.

Stories

SermonStudio

God's Prodding Fork -- Acts 16:9-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay Boone Stewart -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
A silver dining fork hangs against dark blue, crushed velvet in an antique, gold box frame in my off
Seeing The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
Much of my Christian experience has come through the "School of Hard Knocks," better known as prison
The Call Of God -- Luke 4:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Roy H. Nelson -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
I had been struggling with the call to the ordained ministry for several years.
How Can I Do This? -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kai M. Mcclinton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
In 1995, at the age of 25, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
I Saw The Lord -- Isaiah 6:1-8, 9-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bill Penaz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
In 1965, I attended a Lenten worship service at my church.
The Gift Of Trees -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Pamela J. Tinnin -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
I remember the first time I planted trees.
God Stories -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Snyder Stout -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
My father was my life, and in 1989 he and Mom came to live with me, literally to die.
Is It Possible To Forgive After Murder? -- Luke 23:32-49 -- John E. Sumwalt, Aba Gayle -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
The first time I walked into the visiting room for death row inmates at San Quentin State Prison was
Angel, You Are -- Psalm 91 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kerri Sherwood -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
It's not that I ever feel that my brother is far away.
Deliverance -- Psalm 27 -- John E. Sumwalt, Laura Hoff -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
There was a time when my husband and I were very poor.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Bless The LORD, O My Soul -- Psalm 103 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless The LORD, O My Soul ... You Are Very Great -- Psalm 104 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
You stretch out the heavens like a tent ...
O Give Thanks To The LORD, Call On His Name -- Psalm 105 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Make known his deeds among the peoples ... Seek the LORD and his strength;
Praise The LORD, O Give Thanks -- Psalm 106 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or declare all his praise? ...
O Give Thanks To The LORD, For He Is Good -- Psalm 107 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
My Heart Is Steadfast, O God -- Psalm 108 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
My heart is steadfast, I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul ...
Do Not Be Silent, O God Of My Praise -- Psalm 109 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me ...
The LORD Says To My Lord -- Psalm 110 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD says to my lord, "Sit at my right hand
Praise The LORD! I Will Give Thanks With My Whole Heart -- Psalm 111 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
Praise The LORD! Happy Are Those Who Fear The LORD -- Psalm 112 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD,

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...
Ascension of the Lord
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – 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...
Pentecost
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – 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.
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.

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.

Special Occasion

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