Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

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...
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

Wildcard SSL