Login / Signup

SermonStudio

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

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 9/Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 2 Kings 5:1-14 Theme: Too Simple For You?
Proper 9/Ordinary Time 14 -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 Theme: Carry This, Will Ya?
Proper 9/Ordinary Time 14 -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 Theme: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
Proper 10/Ordinary Time 15 -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Amos 7:7-17 Theme: Got A Life Call To Worship
Proper 10/Ordinary Time 15 -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:1-14 Theme: Victory Parade
Proper 10/Ordinary Time 15 -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:25-37 Theme: Question And Answer
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Amos 8:1-12 Theme: Bad Pun, Bad News
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:15-28 Theme: Second Verse, Same As The First
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:38-42 Theme: Not You Two, Again!
Proper 12/Ordinary Time 17 -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Hosea 1:2-10 Theme: Children Of The Living God

Drama

SermonStudio

Homesick: Monologues of an Ancient Hebrew -- 1 Kings 8:22-30 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Pentecost Communion Meditation: Monologue of a Saint -- Acts 2:36-47 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Number One Mother -- Genesis 2:20-25 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
It's Hell, I Say: Herod Speaks -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Poolside Blessing: Monologue of a Paralytic -- John 5:2-16 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
I Am Zacchaeus -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Reuben: I'm not a Sandwich -- Genesis 37:19-34 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Boaz: I Am Blessed! -- Ruth 3:1-5 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Josiah Speaks: An Ancient King Brings Greetings -- 2 Chronicles 34:8-14, 29-33 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
THEME:
Jesus Is Alive and Well -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Edward W. Thorn -- 1998
Jesus is alive and well. I know, for I saw Jesus face to face.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Wise Leadership -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
Solomon asks for the right thing: He asks for wisdom.
Dedicating Temples -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
So much is happening in chapter 8 of 1 Kings that we almost want to get dressed up for an amazing ce
Joy Is For Leaping -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
This ode to spring and to love is almost always used at Passover.
The Place Beyond Punishment -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
You can tell a lot about a family by finding out what happens if a child spills something.
Having A Good Name -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
Proverbs is right: Having a good name is a terribly important thing.
Finding The Good Woman In Us All -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
A good woman is a superwoman, or so it appears to me as I read the list of things she can do.
The Place Beyond Revenge -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
A custom is begun!
Job Is For Real -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
We find Job on the edge of town, his money gone, his children dead, picking at his innumerable sores
Oh, That I Knew Where I Might Find Him -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2008
Then Job answered, "Today also is my complaint bitter." With those words, we go from the patience of
An Answer Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Robert A. Hausman -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
What does it mean to be great? That is the question our texts raise today.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Troubles Into Opportunities -- Matthew 13:45, 46 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. (Display a string of pearls.
Labor Day -- Proverbs 14:23 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. This is Labor Day Weekend in America.
Back To School -- Proverbs 22:6 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. Raise hands, all of you who can't wait to get back to school!
The Name Jesus -- Job: 1:21, Matthew 1:21 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know how you got your name?
The Drawing Power Of Christ -- John 12:32 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever experimented with a magnet?
Jonah's Disobedience And Restoration -- Jonah 1:17 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever seen a whale?
Worldwide Christian Fellowship -- Proverbs 14:34, Matthew 28:19 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls.
Sacrificial Giving -- Mark 12:43 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. What does it mean to be poor?
Giving Thanks -- Genesis 8:22 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls.
Opening Your Heart To Jesus -- Revelation 3:20 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. Does anyone know what this object is?

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Fear/Salvation -- Exodus 14:5-14 -- 2006
When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their
God's Provision -- Exodus 16:2-4 -- 2006
In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
Atonement/Forgiveness/Scapegoat -- Leviticus 16:9-10, 15-16, 20-22 -- 2006
Aaron shall bring the goat ... to the Lord and sacrifice it for a sin offering.
For A Christian Parent -- Deuteronomy 6:4-9 -- 2006
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Land Of Milk And Honey/Heaven -- Deuteronomy 26:5-11 -- 2006
Then you shall declare before the Lord your God: "My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went
Seeking And Finding Understanding -- Proverbs 2:1-8 -- 2006
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom an
Seasons Of Life/The Beauty Of A Simple Life/A Heart For Eternity -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 -- 2006
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born a
God With Us Through Flood And Fire -- Isaiah 43:1-3 -- 2006
But now, this is what the Lord says -- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:
For Those Of Uncertain Faith/Expansive Promise Of God -- Isaiah 43:6-13 -- 2006
I will say to the north, "Give them up!" and to the south, "Do not hold them back." Bring my sons
For One Who Longed To Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- 2006
"The time is coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israe

Stories

SermonStudio

Croppies -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
My wife enjoys Mel Gibson's talent. Sort of like I enjoy Jamie Lee Curtis' talent.
Deus Absconditus -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Sometimes, you just don't know where God is, or if you do, what he's up to.
Unfinished Buildings -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Travel to Bangkok, Thailand, and you'll fall in love with this beautiful city of the Orient.
Preparing For The Comet -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
Ever tried your hand at writing a novel?
The FIDO Effect -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
In the fall of 1940, the Battle of Britain was coming to a close.
The Check Is In The Mail -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
In November of 1998, I received a call from the billing department of a major electronics store.
Chateau Naboth -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Bob and Patty Brower had a dream.
The Adoption Paradox -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
Our oldest daughter is adopted.
Fruit Is Boring -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
"... Against such things there is no law." Well, perhaps there ought to be.
Bagging It -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
Bones Mackay thinks he has a cool job.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Truly God Is Good To The Upright -- Psalm 73 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
O God, Why Do You Cast Us Off Forever? -- Psalm 74 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O God, why do you cast us off forever? Remember your congregation,
We Give Thanks To You, O God -- Psalm 75 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
"At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.
In Judah God Is Known, His Name Is Great In Israel -- Psalm 76 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.
I Cry Aloud To God ... That He May Hear Me -- Psalm 77 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord ...
Give Ear, O My People, To My Teaching -- Psalm 78 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel,
O God, The Nations Have Come Into Your Inheritance -- Psalm 79 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance,
Give Ear, O Shepherd Of Israel -- Psalm 80 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Stir up your might and come to save us! ... look down from heaven, and see;
Sing Aloud To God, Our Strength -- Psalm 81 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob ...
God Has Taken His Place In The Divine Council -- Psalm 82 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
God has taken his place in the divine council;

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

Schuyler Rhodes
This story about Stephen is a hard one to preach about these days. Lately, the idea of martyrdom has fallen under a bit of a cloud, don't you think? What do you think of when you hear about martyrs? In my experience, a martyr is either reduced to a psychological complex foisted off on someone who does too much for others, or it's a poor child with a dynamite vest ready to doom himself or herself and plenty of others for the sake of the cause, and the cash benefits paid to the family, after the fact. There's no question about it. The stock on martyrdom is way, way down these days.
David E. Leininger
"Christ is our cornerstone!" That motto was chosen over a century ago for the congregation I now serve. It was October 29, 1895, at 2:30 in the afternoon, that the grandparents and great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the forebears of today's congregation, gathered outside in Pennsylvania's autumn chill to see the laying of the cornerstone of the church building that has been in use ever since.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.

First Lesson
Acts 7:55-60
The Stoning Of Stephen
Derl G. Keefer
C. Neil Strait
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
God is ready to swoop down and rescue us from the burdens we carry and to lift the heart aches! Our God has known us since birth through old age and gray hair and He will sustain us today!

OFFERING THOUGHT
The secret of money is enjoying the opportunity of giving it away for the glory of God.

BENEDICTION
May the God who transforms disappointments to joy do that for you this week. Amen.



SERMON BRIEFS

Holiness, The Trademark Of A Holy Person
Lee Griess
The great American humorist, Will Rogers, had the reputation that he could make anyone laugh. President Calvin Coolidge, on the other hand, had the reputation that he never laughed. Want to know what happened the time those two met? Rogers was invited to visit the White House and as was the custom, the president's assistant brought Rogers into the Oval Office. As was the custom as he entered, the assistant said, "President Coolidge, this is Will Rogers. Mr. Rogers, this is President Coolidge." To which Rogers leaned forward and said, "I'm sorry.
Richard L. Sheffield
Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14:1 NRSV).

Since everything that follows for the rest of the passage I just read from John is commentary on that, we need to hear that clearly, before we hear anything else.

This is the closest English can get to the Greek of John's Gospel: "Let not be troubled of you the heart; Believe in God, also in me believe."1

And here are the translations of others who have listened and interpreted these words for you and me:
Robert J. Elder
In the earliest experience of the church, the apostles soon discovered that their teaching and preaching duties were taking an incredible amount of energy. As the community of believers grew in numbers, and they continued in their commitment to hold all things in common, it became obvious that some details of the life of the community would need more attention than the twelve apostles themselves could give. It was decided to appoint deacons to serve the needs of the church, particularly the needs of the poor and widows who could no longer care for themselves. Seven were appointed.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Forgiveness
P: We gather for worship in the name of the one who is
the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Amen.
P: The journey before us is one of letting go and taking hold.
As he prepares a place for us,
let us name the sin that clings to us, that we may find release.

Silence for reflection and self-examination

P: Unbelief, hatred, revenge,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
P: Gossip, despair, deceit,
C: Lord, do not hold our sins against us.
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Psalm 31:15-16)

One: My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

All: Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.


Collect
 Strengthen us, Lord, in the time of testing and trial, calling to mind the example of the martyrs who died for our faith. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For May 3, 2026:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
It is hard for us, living after the resurrection, to understand how Jesus, who was clearly a mortal man, could come to be worshipped as though he were God. Since we believe that Jesus did rise from the dead, we tend to endow his ministry with a divine glow. How could the authorities not see that Jesus was, indeed, the son of God? How did they explain away his miracles? How did they ignore how the average people felt about him?
David Kalas
What do you do between Act 2 and Act 3 of a performance? That depends upon who you are.

If you are like me, then you have attended a great many more shows, plays, and performances than you have participated in. And, as members of the audience, the time between acts is an intermission -- an opportunity to stretch your legs, to use the restroom, to enjoy some refreshments.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." In our worship today, let us explore these words and find out how to reach God through Jesus.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, show me the right way to God.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, lead me into the truth about God.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, give me the eternal life which you have promised.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Keith Hewitt
Scott Dalgarno
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Encounter in the Darkness" by Keith Hewitt
"Please Don't Forget Me" by Scott Dalgarno
"An Unwanted Gift" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
Peter Andrew Smith
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Words of Power" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Refuge" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


Words of Power
by Peter Andrew Smith
Acts 7:55-60

The principal looked at the boy holding the cloth up to his nose. His hair was dishevelled, his lip swollen, and his clothes bore the stains of the muddy playground. The nurse examined him but his bleeding nostrils seemed his greatest injury.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. (Show the rubbing of the cornerstone.) Does anyone know what I'm holding? (Let them answer.) This is a rubbing of the cornerstone of our church building. (Read to them what the cornerstone says. Tell them where the cornerstone is located.) I hope that when church is over this morning you can go out and look at and touch the real cornerstone. Cornerstones are very important. Does anyone know the purpose of a cornerstone? (Let them answer.) It's important because it is at the very foundation of our building. The church building is built on top of it.
Good morning, boys and girls. (Have your road map opened as you talk. Examine the map as you greet the children.) If I wanted to take a trip to (name a familiar city in your area) but I wasn't certain how to get there, what could I use to help me? (Let them answer.) A road map! I just happen to have one here. I'm looking for my direction right now. (Point out the way to your destination.) When you go on vacation do your parents sometimes give you road maps to follow? (Let them answer.) A road map is very important when you are going places that you've never been before.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL