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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:49-56 Theme: The Real Weather Channel
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Theme: Too Many Excuses
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 12:18-29 Theme: This Is Doable!
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17 Theme: Joy In Healing
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 2:4-13 Theme: Memory Aid Call To Worship
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Theme: Just A Brief Word, Please
Proper 17/Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 14:1, 7-14 Theme: First, Last, And Always
Proper 18/Ordinary Time 23 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 18:1-11 Theme: Pottery Lesson
Proper 18/Ordinary Time 23 -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philemon 1-21 Theme: Refresh My Guts In Christ
Proper 18/Ordinary Time 23 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 14:25-33 Theme: Hiring The Right Architect

Drama

SermonStudio

Fishin' -- John 21:1-14 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Know your Savior and do exactly what he tells you to do.Summary
Doubters All -- John 10:22-30 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Believe in Jesus.Summary
Doubters All, Part II -- John 13:31-35 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Trust Jesus.Summary
Doubters All, Part III -- John 14:23-29 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Love Jesus.Summary
Doubters All, Part IV -- John 17:20-26 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Theme Follow Jesus.Summary
Baptism -- Robert F. Crowley -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1997
ThemeWhat is the worth of Baptism?Summary
Wedding Wine -- John 2:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1997
ThemeWeddings and marriages need Jesus.Summary
The Body -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1997
Theme
Jesus? Where? -- Luke 4:21-32 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1997
Theme Why do we come to church?Summary
A Fish Story -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1997
Theme What is so compelling about the words of Jesus that changes people's lives?

Sermon

SermonStudio

Jesus At Home -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
When he [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Due For Renewal -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Every pastor, on occasion, feels the need to remind a congregation that we need not fear things that
Looking Up: Looking Out -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Robert J. Elder -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
This passage serves as a gift to the church as we prepare to enter into the season of Lent beginning
Clearing Out The Pipes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John S. Smylie -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent, is a time when we have an opportunity to squarely fa
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! -- Mark 1:9-15 -- John S. Smylie -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Mark doesn't waste any time getting us involved in the beginning of our Lord's ministry.
The Elephant In The Living Room -- Mark 8:31-38 -- John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
There are times when we do everything we can to avoid the obvious.
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.
The Serpent -- John 3:14-21 -- John S. Smylie -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Growing up in the northeast, I didn't have a lot of exposure to snakes.
We Wish To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus" (v. 21).
Disintegration And Reintegration -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- John S. Smylie -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Today's reading is the longest assigned reading that we have the entire year.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Fishers Of Men -- Matthew 4:19 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you children have ever been on a fishing trip?
The Shepherd Cares For His Sheep -- Isaiah 40:11 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls.
Christ Comes Into Our Hearts -- 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Matthew 5:8 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls. (Show heart symbol.) What is this symbol?
Baptism/Dedication -- Proverbs 22:6, Mark 10:14 -- Robert B. Lantz -- 1997
Good morning, boys and girls.
Be A Doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Erskine White -- 1997
Last week we talked about ghosts and how hard it was for even Jesus’ best friends to believe that He
Old And New -- Matthew 25:6-7 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Don't you love the first day of school!
Growing Up -- Ephesians 3:17,19 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: Have any of you received some new clothes this year?
Don't Throw It Away! -- Ephesians 2:4-6, 10 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: This morning I brought something with me that we probably use every day of our lives.
Black And White -- 1 John 1:9-11 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: How many of you are good at coloring?
You're Not Too Young -- Jeremiah 1:4-7 -- Mark A. Hultquist -- 1996
Message: I. Today we are going to talk about the things we do as we start to get older.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Miracles -- Psalm 78:12-16 -- 2006
He did miracles in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.
Seize The Day -- Psalm 90:1-6, 12-17 -- 2006
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
Vengeance/Injustice/Anger -- Psalm 94 -- 2006
O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.
Help/Strength/Comfort -- Psalm 121 -- 2006
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?
Hardship/Overcoming Hardship -- Psalm 129 -- 2006
They have greatly oppressed me from my youth -- let Israel say -- they have greatly oppressed me
God Knows Us/God Is Always With Us -- Psalm 139 -- 2006
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
God's Selfless Love -- Matthew 5:38-45a -- 2006
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resi
The Healing Power Of Jesus/Death As A Healing -- Matthew 14:35-36 -- 2006
And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country.
On Being Ready -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- 2006
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Fa
Access To God -- Mark 15:33-39 -- 2006
At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Stories

SermonStudio

Almost In Heaven -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
In 1977, about ten years before she died, I asked my grandmother, Nellie Jane Kittle Sumwalt, then i
Don't Just Stand There! -- Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judith M. Evenden -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
It happened thirty years ago. I am standing at the graveside of my grandmother, my father's mother.
Abounding In Steadfast Love -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Our son, Lloyd, died on May 4, 1997.
Remember Your Baptism -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
It was 1984. I was sitting in the front row in a classroom in Nashville, listening to Dr.
Visions Of Christ -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Linda Nafziger-meiser -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
In 1982-86, my husband and I lived in the Shenandoah Valley near Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Chosen As Witnesses -- Acts 10:34-43 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
Our first grandchild died two months shy of his fourth birthday.
Holy Coincidences -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee Domann -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
My mother's only brother died in March, 1983, in a car/train accident. I was devastated.
The Other End Of The Barrel -- Acts 9:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Shirley Lochowitz -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seven years ago, I was working as a police officer for the Town of Caledonia Police Department.
Life-giving Plasma -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Harold Weaver -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
In August of 1966, I visited Germany.
A Call To Ministry -- Acts 11:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Nancy Nichols -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
I joined the church when I was in junior high school.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

The LORD Is King -- Psalm 93 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty ...
O LORD, You God Of Vengeance ... Shine Forth! -- Psalm 94 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Rise up, O judge of the earth ... how long shall the wicked exult? ...
O Come, Let Us Sing To The LORD! -- Psalm 95 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O come, let us sing to the LORD;
O Sing To The LORD A New Song -- Psalm 96 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD all the earth.
The LORD Is King! Let The Earth Rejoice -- Psalm 97 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad ...
O Sing To The LORD A New Song -- Psalm 98 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
O Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
The LORD Is King; Let The Peoples Tremble -- Psalm 99 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD is king; let the peoples tremble! Mighty King, lover of justice ...
Make A Joyful Noise To The LORD -- Psalm 100 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing ...
I Will Sing Of Loyalty And Of Justice -- Psalm 101 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
I will study the way that is blameless. When shall I attain it? ...
Hear My Prayer, O LORD -- Psalm 102 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
My heart is stricken and withered like grass; I am too wasted to eat my bread ...

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

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