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Worship

SermonStudio

The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
The light of truth is in the skies. Or it may be only a shadow.
Epiphany 3 / Ordinary Time 3 -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21, Psalm 19 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
A single song is being inflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
Epiphany 9 / Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10, Psalm 96:1-9 -- Julia Ross Strope -- 2009
They who sing pray twice. -- Saint Augustine
Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Epiphany 4 / Ordinary Time 4 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
A single song is being inflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Luke 6:27-38, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
A single song is being inflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25, Psalm 22 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
Consider opening the sanctuary from noon until 7:00 p.m.
Palm Sunday / Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 19:28-40, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2009
Call To Worship
Lent 3 -- Isaiah 55:1-9, Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord (Last Sunday After Epiphany) -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), Psalm 99 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2009
A single song is being inflected through all the colorations of the human choir.

Drama

SermonStudio

The Mouse Christmas -- Frank Ramirez -- 2008
The Mouse Christmas
The Ad Vent Wheat -- Frank Ramirez -- 2008
The Ad Vent Wheat Characters Courtney Alexis
Open Auditions -- Dean A. Anderson -- 2008
Theme We all have a role to play in the Christmas story.
Taking Jesus -- Dean A. Anderson -- 2008
Characters Andrew (or Andrea) -- seven to ten years old Director -- adult
I Spy Christmas -- Dean A. Anderson -- 2008
Cast Kindergartners Angels First and Second Graders
The Eyes Of Jesus -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 116 -- Amy Jo Jones -- 2008
Introduction
Zacchaeus -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Luke 19:1-10 -- Diana M. Morris -- 2008
Characters Zacchaeus Narrator Grandchild 1 Grandchild 2
Nicodemus And Joseph Of Arimathea -- John 3:1-9 -- Diana M. Morris -- 2008
Characters Narrator Nicodemus Joseph Props
Innocent Of The Blood Of Jesus -- Matthew 27:1-31 -- Joe Barone -- 2008
Character Pontius Pilate Props None required
Alexander And Rufus: Sons Of Simon Of Cyrene -- Matthew 27:32-37 -- Diana M. Morris -- 2008
Characters

Sermon

SermonStudio

Faithfulness In These Days -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2021
As we enter the Lenten season, we reflect on the life of Jesus, his ministry, his sacrifice, and his
Creation Reborn -- John 20:1-18 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Easter Day - C -- 2021
When I was a pastor in rural southern Alberta, we held our Easter Sunrise worship services in a ceme
Peace In The Presence -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2021
How large is your worshiping community?
Faces At A Funeral -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Good Friday - C -- 2021
During the nineteenth century, all Oxford graduates were required to translate a portion of the Gree
Messiah's Community -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2021
In his widely-read testimony, Man’s Search for Meaning, famed psychiatrist Viktor Frankl remembered
Hearing A Familiar Voice -- John 10:22-30 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2021
As parents of three wonderful daughters, my wife and I can sympathize with the couple who sent their
Starting Over -- John 21:1-19 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2021
Sometimes the healing of our hurts starts only when we find another song to sing.
Living Through Hard Times -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bonnie Bates -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2021
Sometimes it is hard for us to accept the hardships of this life.
Pressing On In Faith -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Bonnie Bates -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2021
Recently at the gym, working out with my personal trainer, and straining to finish the third set of
Scandal -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2021
While Don Richardson was a student at Prairie Bible Institute in the 1950s, his heart burned in anti

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

All In A Day's Work -- Proverbs 10:4, Genesis 2:15 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture References
Ping-Pong Words -- Proverbs 15:1 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
A Lamp To My Feet -- Psalm 119:105 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
David And The Giant -- 1 Samuel 17:37a -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture References
Does God Have Fun? -- Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Can I Give Enough? -- Mark 12:41-44 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Fiction Or Nonfiction? -- 2 Timothy 3:16 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Like A Potato -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference
Does God Use Children? -- 2 Kings 5:1-3, John 6:5-13 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture References
Like Iron Sharpens Iron -- Proverbs 27:17 -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

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
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!
Passion / Palm Sunday (Lent 6) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day God's love shines through the cross and changes us.
Lent 3 -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Look! God doesn't do things our way.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day A vulnerable God struggles to overcome our sin.
Lent 1 -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Epiphany 4 -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Prophetic authority. Collect of the Day
Transfiguration of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Christ be glorified! Collect of the Day
Lent 5 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day With God, you get more than what you asked for.
Easter 5 -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day What God's love does to us. Collect of the Day

Stories

SermonStudio

Hoping For A Hug -- Luke 13:31-35 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Jerusalem was not far now.
The Trouble With Stables -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- David E. Leininger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
What do you know about stables? They are not pretty places. The light is not that good.
They Are Biting -- Luke 5:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
Two guys go on a fishing trip.
Love Your Enemy? -- Luke 6:27-38 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Are You Kidding, Lord?
Silly Goose -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Great words -- as succinct a description as can be found anywhere of what we are called to be and do
Sonny Moneybags -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
This text has been described as the greatest short story ever written.
The Judas Gene -- John 18:1--19:42 -- David E. Leininger -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
Why did Judas do it? Was it the money, the thirty pieces of silver?
The Gospel By Starlight -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
The Call Of God -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
If you were to ask a group of people to take pencil and paper and sketch a portrait of an Old Testam
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

Prayer

SermonStudio

Christmas (1) -- 2003
How great is your love, O God,to send us your Son.
Epiphany (1) -- 2003
O God of the morning star,Creator of the day,
Palm Sunday (1) -- 2003
Down from the Mount of Olives you come, O Lord,riding on a burro.
Easter (1) -- 2003
How beautiful are the lilies of the field, O God;how gracefully do they sway in the wind
Thanksgiving Sunday (1) -- 2003
God of our pilgrim parents,we thank you for the legacy of this land:
Communion Sunday (1) -- 2003
O Great and Mysterious God,you have shown the power of your love
Mother's Day (1) -- 2003
O Great and Wonderful God,you are long-suffering and forgiving.
Prayers Of The Evening (1) -- 2003
In the stillness of the evening,in the quiet of the night
Prayers On The Run -- 2003
A. At Breakfast O God of the morning,
Prayers Of The Morning (1) -- 2003
O Lord of Life,out of the night the new day is given.We wake to its call.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 14 / Pentecost 12 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2009
... even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
... for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated a
Proper 12 / Pentecost 10 / Ordinary Time 17 -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2009
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in
Proper 11 / Pentecost 9 / Ordinary Time 16 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2009
Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?
Proper 12 / Pentecost 10 / Ordinary Time 17 -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2009
Go, take for yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits grea
Proper 12 / Pentecost 10 / Ordinary Time 17 -- Psalm 85 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2009
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 12 -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2009
They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. -- Luke 8:31
Proper 12 / Pentecost 10 / Ordinary Time 17 -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2009
Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples. -- Luke 11:1b
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 4 -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
So many laws, ancient and modern,All are important, someone is sure.
Proper 22 -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1990
How right he was when Jesus said,'The two shall be as one,'
Proper 23 -- Mark 10:17-30 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1990
Lord, I almost wish you hadn’tsaid the words you said that day,
Transfiguration -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Andrew Daughters -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
From out the cloud that wrapped them roundthere came to them an awesome sound
Proper 9 -- Mark 6:1-6 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
‘We knew him when,' the people cried.'We saw him grow to manhood.
Proper 10 -- Mark 6:7-13 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1990
When Jesus called a dozenfrom the field and shop and shore,
Proper 11 -- Mark 6:30-34 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1990
The sheep has been domesticatedfor so many years,that a sheep without a shepherd
Pentecost -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Come, Holy Spirit.Come, Holy Guide.Teach me to follow and turn not aside.
Thanksgiving Day -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Andrew Daughters -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
It’s a very nice thing to be thank-full.When you’re full, thanks is easy to say.
Ascension Day -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Andrew Daughters -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
'How poor we are,' said Matthew,'In this world where richness counts.'

Pastoral Resources

SermonStudio

Looking For The Devil -- Ephesians 6:13 -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
Season: Any
God Doesn't Make Telephone Calls -- Isaiah 55:8 -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
Season: Any
It's Not All That Easy -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
A good children's sermon is simple, direct, dramatic, and participatory; it has a single purpose and
The Purpose Behind Our Gospel-Telling -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
The Distinctive Character Of The Gospel
The Art Of Gospel-Telling -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
Some of us are naturally talented and others of us are naturally terrified of gospel-telling.
The Story Form As Proclamation -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
Using Storytelling In Gospel--Telling
The Ten Commandments Of Gospel--Telling -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
1. Make it your aim for each sermon to leave an impression rather than to make a point.
The Story Of Tom Gobble -- 1 Chronicles 16:34 -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
Props: A flannel board and pictures of a small turkey and a big turkey
Let's Pretend -- John 14:1ff. -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
These sermons require the listeners to use their imaginations in a vivid way.
Sammy No Share -- Romans 12:21 -- Richard J. Coleman -- 2002
Season: UNICEF/Halloween or any occasion when children are being asked to share with others.

Children's program

SermonStudio

Celebration for Beginning of School -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServicePart 1Thanks for Books and TeachersOpening Remarks
Meeting God in Wind and Fire (June) -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServiceGatheringTaped Prelude
Behind the Masks (July) -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServiceInformal Beginning to Set ThemeWho's Knocking Game
Bargaining with God (August) -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServiceGatheringOpening Hymn: "Come Children, Join to Sing"
Celebrate Your Name! (October) -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServiceInformal GatheringHymn: "We Gather Together"
Giving Thanks Joyfully (November) -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServiceJoyfully Gathering to WorshipOpening Remarks
Those Who Wait (December) -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServiceVoices of Waiting from Congregation
Our Need to Give (January) -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServiceGathering to WorshipOpening Remarks
A Liturgy of Games(February) -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServiceOpening RemarksScriptureMirror GameTrust Walk
Pax Cakes and Parades (March) -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 1977
Order of ServiceBreakfast of Pax CakesForgiveness of All Quarrels

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

Prohibitions And Invitations In The Second Commandment -- Exodus 20:7 -- Ron Lavin -- 2005
If you are a Christian, you were baptized "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
Prohibitions And Invitations In The Third Commandment -- Exodus 20:8 -- Ron Lavin -- 2005
"What's so special about your Sabbath day?" a young man asked his girlfriend.
Prohibitions And Invitations In The Fourth Commandment -- Exodus 20:12 -- Ron Lavin -- 2005
The first table of the Law (Commandments One through Three) deals with our relationship with God.
Prohibitions And Invitations In The Fifth Commandment -- Exodus 20:13 -- Ron Lavin -- 2005
The Fifth Commandment speaks against murder.
Prohibitions And Invitations In The Sixth Commandment -- Exodus 20:14 -- Ron Lavin -- 2005
There are many misunderstandings of adultery in our society.
Prohibititions And Invitations In The Seventh Commandment -- Exodus 20:15 -- Ron Lavin -- 2005
A man once sent an unsigned letter to the Internal Revenue Service with no return address.
Prohibition And Invitations In The Eighth Commandment -- Exodus 20:16, Matthew 7:1-5 -- Ron Lavin -- 2005
Martin Luther says that the meaning of the Eighth Commandment is:
Prohibitions And Invitations In The Ninth Commandment -- Exodus 20:17a -- Ron Lavin -- 2005
Thomas Aquinas once observed: "We were created so that we would love people and use things.
The People And The Pope -- Henry G. Brinton -- 2005
It's October 1995.
Finding Room In God's House -- Henry G. Brinton -- 2005
"My oldest daughter was married from that church; my husband was buried from that church." The voice

Youth Resources

Monologues

SermonStudio

The Lepers' Friend -- John 15:12-17 -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
When I was a child, we used to ice skate for hours in the winter on the canals near my home.
The Dreamer -- Genesis 50:20 -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
My name is Joseph, "Overseer of the Granaries of Upper and Lower Egypt, Royal Seal-Bearer, by reason
Chapter Five -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
The world is often cruel to children and other innocents. It did not end with Herod.
Chapter Four -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
Certainly there are many stories in Scripture which should be presented from the perspective of the
Chapter Three -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
Old Testament prophets are often depicted as stern preachers of doom.
Chapter Two -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
Some books of Scripture present us with quite a challenge if we wish to present our audience with a
Chapter Twelve -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
So much of what we hear about politicians and world leaders causes us to question whether there are
Chapter Eleven -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
Most informed church people of my generation have at least heard of Albert Schweitzer.
Chapter Ten -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
Often, those remembered as heroes by the church have been clergy.
Chapter One -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
How does one take an old and familiar story regarding supernatural events that took place centuries

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

SermonStudio

Finding God In The Narrows Of Life -- Psalm 23:4 -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1993
There is a little book, My Shepherd Life in Galilee, written
A Straight Path In A Crooked World -- Psalm 23:3 -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1993
The more confused a society, the more necessary are examples
What Do You Mean --He Restoreth My Soul? -- Psalm 23:3 -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1993
The valley of the shadow is real; we all pass through it. Some
The Still -- Psalm 23:2 -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1993
The Interpreter's Bible supports the sequence here. Early in
Ananias And Sapphira, Liars -- Peter C. Garrison
Ananias and Sapphira's problem isn't so much that they had
Judas, The Obscure -- Peter C. Garrison
Judas' problem is that he doesn't have any excuse for the
Pontius Pilate, Pragmatic -- Peter C. Garrison
Pontius Pilate's problem is that he is so practical, so cold-
King Ahaz, Idolater -- Peter C. Garrison
King Ahaz has a real problem: he's worshiped about everything
Balaam, The Donkey And The Angel -- Peter C. Garrison
At first glance, Balaam, the donkey and the angel don't have a
Adam And Eve, The First People -- Peter C. Garrison
Eve envies God's wisdom. Adam doesn't take God's word of

Humor

SermonStudio

Pollution -- What Really Is It? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Modern civilization is bugged by the problem of what to do with rapidly accumulating trash and garba
A Cup Of Coffee And A Piece Of Toast -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
How an afternoon snack led to building a Senior Retirement Center in a town of 8,000 people.
Why Should I Worship A Dead Jew? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A young Jewish man started attending some evangelistic services held by the Reverend Alfred Henry Ac
The Drunkard And Easter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The phone call between Easter Sunrise Service and the regular Sunday morning service was from the po
Take My Silver And My Gold -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
She really meant it!
Small Things Are Important -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
On a wintry day we stopped at Ash Cave State Park in Hocking County, Ohio, to see an annual ice form
The Gates Of Hell Shall Not Prevail -- Matthew 16:18 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It was recognition time for visitors at a service club dinner when the president of the club tried s
From Pop Cans To Countryside YMCA -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Ralph J.
He Got Our Men To Singing -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
In the 1970s a likeable person to know in Circleville, Ohio, was the chief radio announcer for WNRE,
Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It was just before World War II. Dusk had fallen, and Christmas Eve begun.

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

Am I That Forgiven? -- Psalm 32 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
I acknowledged my sin to thee, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgr
Blowing Away The Clouds Of Depression -- Psalm 42 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
The Good Now Days! -- Psalm 46, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. -- Psalm 46:1
No More Stingy Hosannas -- Psalm 107 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
O give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!
Forward, Retreat! -- Psalm 120 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
In my distress, I cry to the Lord, that he may answer me: "Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, f
Hope That Is Radical -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
When a Christian is asked, "Is hope real?" the answer should be apparent, but is it?
Let’s Get Down To Basics -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
Hope has the potential of making all of us stronger and better focused.
Hope: How Is It Lived -- How Is It Visible? -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
For most people, the real impact of hope becomes visible when life decides to throw us a set of circ
Hope: An Expectation Of Something Yet To Be -- John W. Clarke -- 2008
Hope, as it has been pointed out, is in many ways the expectation that there is something yet to hap
How To Heal With Humor -- Psalm 126 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

Children's Resources

SermonStudio

Jesus By The Sea Of Galilee -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorPeterJohnJesus
Jesus And John The Baptist -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorWomanJohnRabbi
Jesus Ascends To Heaven -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorPeterJohnAndrew
Jesus And The Devil -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJesusDevil
Jesus Calls Peter -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJesusPeterAndrew
Jesus' Parable Of The Four Soils -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJesusPeterSoil 1
Jesus Heals A Woman In The Crowd -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorPeterWoman 1Woman 2
Jesus Heals The Daughter Of Jairus -- Robert Lakey -- 2005
CharactersNarratorJairusJesusPeter
The Bluebird's Song -- Ecclesiastes 10:20 -- Lily Erlic -- 2005
The bluebird, Flies across the sky,I am watching from my window
Sacred Space -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 2005
Can we find a clue in a location?

Self Help

SermonStudio

Mary And Martha: Nine To Five, Five To Nine -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things: one thing is needful.
Women Who Love Too Much -- Or Too Little -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Mothers -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2001
What's A Mother To Do?

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

A merry heart is good medicine -- Proverbs 17:22 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A merry heart is good medicine Location: Proverbs 17:22
My cup runneth over -- Psalm 23:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: My cup runneth over Location: Psalm 23:5
A multitude of sins -- James 5:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A multitude of sins Location: James 5:20
Money is the root of all evil -- 1 Timothy 6:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Money is the root of all evil Location: 1 Timothy 6:10
A millstone around one's neck -- Mark 9:42 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A millstone around one's neck Location: Mark 9:42
Many are called, but few are chosen -- Matthew 22:14 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Many are called, but few are chosen
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away -- Job 1:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away
Made light of it -- Matthew 22:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Made light of it Location: Matthew 22:5
No honor in one's own country -- John 4:44 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: No honor in one's own country Location: John 4:44
The meek shall inherit the earth -- Psalm 37:11 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The meek shall inherit the earth Location: Psalm 37:11

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

SermonStudio

CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Great teacher, you called your disciples together and imparted your Word to them so that they might
CHURCH SCHOOL PROMOTION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We have reached another milestone of learning, dear God, and we give you thanks for all that has bee
END OF MEETING CLOSING PRAYER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
For the time we have spent in your presence here, we give you thanks, O God.
CHURCH MEETING OPENING -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We have come together, Holy One, bringing the gifts you give us to be used in the service of your ch
EVENING PRAYER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
As the sun sinks silently from our view, and as the evening stars begin to appear, we come to you in
ANY TIME DURING THE DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
For the hours of day that have come and gone, we give you grateful thanks, O God.

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


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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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