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Worship

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Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Life Of Righteousness Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Temptation Call To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Romans 5:12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: New Beginnings Call To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Temptation Call To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Call Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Victory Through Faith Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- John 3:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Love And Our Response Call To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 121 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance

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On Having A Good Church Fight -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Today's scripture from 1 John is one of the treasures of all the New Testament.
Salvation Is A Journey, Not An Arrival -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In this Information Age, we find summaries of the news helpful.
Faith As Alternating Current -- 1 John 3:16-20 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Some troublesome things about the Christian life are its mood swings.
Love -- The Only Absolute Commandment -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Love is central to the New Testament message. Jesus called his followers to practice love.
The Commandments Are Not Burdensome -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- John T. Ball -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In the Exodus story, Moses leads the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity and takes them to the moun
The Blessings Of Writing -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay
True Resurrections -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Today, Easter is the central festival of the church, out of which comes two derivative festivals, Ch
Getting It Straight -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
What a colorful figure Paul must have been in flesh and blood!
Being Single-minded -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
The Second Coming of Christ was much in the thoughts of the ancient church.
Looking Out For Others -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Being able to synthesize in such a way that harmony can be the outcome is among the many things the

Children's sermon

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Preaching

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Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Endings can be sad.
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
The same Old Testament text is used for Maundy Thursday in all three cycles of the lectionary.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - B -- 2003
All of us know that there are proper times to do and say certain things.
Passion/Psalm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
This is the stated text also in Cycles A and B.
Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
This reading from Acts is the stated lesson in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
This text gives the third in a series of four visions (7:1--8:3) that the prophet Amos was granted d
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
The lectionary often combines parts of two separate sections.
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
We are a whoring nation, are we not?
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Few passages in the Old Testament are more important than this one, because it sets forth central un
Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
In the popular piety that so dominates American religious life, there is the saying that "God hears

Stories

SermonStudio

Holy -- 1999
There were two places in Amsterdam where there were big crowds but it was hushed: In the Van Gogh mu
Holy Spirit -- 1999
A television commercial for John Hancock Insurance says: "We can help you here and now, not just her
Homeless -- 1999
On December 28, 1984, National Public Radio reported that Jesse Carpenter was buried in Arlington Na
Honor -- 1999
In Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Evita, which was made into a movie starring the infamous Mad
Hope -- 1999
Amy Grant, interviewed on CNN, was asked what the purpose of Christian music is.
Humanity -- 1999
At the formal academic ceremony of graduation at Wittenberg University, I saw a dog come behind the
Humanness -- 1999
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle blew up one and a half minutes out of Cape Kennedy.
Human Worth -- 1999
A letter arrived from Lydia Manawu in Liberia, marked, "No Monetary Value."
Humility -- 1999
Lee Kalmer, Dean of ISU College of Agriculture, told of a farmer buying a new tractor.
Humor -- 1999
The Iowa State football coach told a story about a football game between centipedes and insects.

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Pentecost
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Trinity Sunday
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 5 (OT 10, Pent 2)
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

William G. Carter
An unusual piece of mail arrived at the office the other day. Inside the envelope was a colorful brochure, a response card, and a prepaid business reply envelope. A computer-generated cover letter was addressed to First Presbyterian Church.
Stan Purdum
Pentecost is considered the birth date of the church universal. There was also planted that day, in the preaching of the apostle Peter, an important seed -- the fruit of which was almost lost at one point in the church's history. That seed was in this statement by Peter: "Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21).
Steven E. Albertin
They had been waiting so long for this. It was an interminable fifty days since Jesus had risen from the dead. It had been ten long days since Jesus had ascended into heaven from that mountain outside of Jerusalem and that angel had told them to go back to Jerusalem and wait. They had to wait again for what must have seemed like an eternity to finally receive what they had been waiting for -- the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Mark Ellingsen
It's Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the birth of the Church and the giving of the Holy Spirit, as our lesson from Acts (2:1-21) reports. But the Bible makes it clear that it was not just on that first Pentecost that the Holy Spirit was given. It happened to some in Old Testament times (Judges 6:34; 1 Samuel 11:6; 16:13). However, the Spirit was also given during Jesus' own life on earth. Here's the story.
Larry M. Goodpaster
One of the several things we all have in common is the sheer enjoyment of receiving gifts. While we may not always say so, our feelings are at least slightly wounded if our birthday is forgotten. Christmas is not memorable if, because of economic conditions, or because we were extravagant with gifts for others, our gifts are fewer in number. I've also observed that as many of us add years to our lives, the gifts we do receive are more predictable and much more practical.
Schuyler Rhodes
Today is Pentecost. Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God. Today we celebrate the birthday of the Church of Jesus Christ, recalling our ancestors in the faith who received the power of God's Holy Spirit and began a journey which we continue in this moment as we take on the struggle to become a faithful people in today's world. Today we celebrate the arrival of the Advocate, the Spirit who accompanies and partners with us in life and faith.
Gary L. Carver
To be asked to speak or pray in public sent shivers of terror down his spine. He had a small part in his high school play. He froze. When it came time for him to deliver his lines, he could not say a word. He never completely recovered from that humiliation and embarrassment. But if you needed a nurse during a painful or sleepless long night, he was your man. With dozens of people for dozens of years often late into the night, he administered the "sacrament of the coffee pot" as he listened and counseled with a wisdom from a source other than his own.
James L. Killen, Jr.
The story of the Day of Pentecost tells of a pivotal event in the history of God's work in the world. It tells of the emerging of a very important aspect of the Christian faith and of the birth of the church.
Stephen M. Crotts
Have you ever noticed how we preachers often promote the early church as if it were the ideal? "Why, they did a miracle a day in the early church." "When they had a prayer meeting, everyone came!" " They spoke in Greek then!" (As if it were some sort of superior language!) On and on we can go browbeating ourselves by comparison.

Yet, when one really studies the Bible, he discovers that early believers weren't perfect either. Moses had his temper. Noah got drunk. David fell into adultery. Peter couldn't keep his vows and Paul and Barnabas split up over a disagreement.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: The day of Pentecost is upon us.
All: Those who have been touched by tongues of fire
can speak as though in native languages.
One: In worship together, let us share with each other.
All: Let us share our bread, our wine, and our prayers.
One: We come to the Lord's table.
All: It is spread before us.

Prayer Of The Day
One: Spirit of the Living God,
visit us again on this day of Pentecost,
All: come, Holy Spirit.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
Fire Of God, Undying Flame (NCH64)
Wind Who Makes All Winds That Blow (NCH271, CBH31, UM38, PH131)
Filled With The Spirit's Power (NCH266, CBH289, UM537)
Like The Murmur Of A Dove's Song (CBH29, UM544, PH314)
O Spirit Of The Living God (CBH361, UM539)
Spirit Of The Living God (PH322)
Many And Great, O God (NCH3, UM148, PH271)
I Sing The Mighty Power Of God (CBH46, UM152, PH288)

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
For May 24, 2026:

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'receive the Holy Spirit.' (v. 22)

Good morning, boys and girls. I am so happy to see you this morning. You know why I'm happy? I am happy because you are here at worship ? and I am really happy to tell you about something amazing! Are you ready to hear about it?  (children answer)

There are some things in life that are invisible. But they are very real. For example, here in my hands I am holding some air. (cup hands like holding air) (shows air to children)
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus comes to us even when we are afraid and gives us the power to live as his followers.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus promised his friends that great power would be available to them when he had finally disappeared from this earth. That power came on the Day of Pentecost. In our worship today let us explore what sort of power this was and whether it is still available to us.


Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I have difficulty connecting with things that happened 2,000 years ago.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I assume that all your power was in the past, belonging to a by-gone age.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Happy Birthday"
Shining Moments: "Wrapped in Pentecost" by Kate Jones
Sermon Starter: "Do You Have Charisma?" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "What the World Needs Now..." by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
David O. Bales
Contents
"Rauch" by C. David McKirachan
"Claustrophobia" by David O. Bales


* * * * * * * *


Ruach
by C. David McKirachan
Acts 2:1-21

Emphasis Preaching Journal

We've all seen them -- women and men, girls and boys, wrestling with huge sails attached to a small board, seeking to stand and balance and catch both the wind and the waves just right -- windsurfers. It is one of the hardest sports to learn and succeed at, but to those who have made it an art, it is one of the most rewarding experiences of freedom. One stands between heaven and earth, supported by nothing more than the fluid surface of a lake or ocean, and powered by the breath of this world's atmosphere. To catch the right breeze is a craft not easily learned.

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