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Worship

SermonStudio

Rise, Sovereign Lord -- Psalm 9:9-20 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
Refrain Rise, sovereign Lord, Be the stronghold of all your people.
O My Good Shepherd -- Psalm 23 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. O my Good Shepherd, O Lord of my soul, Keep me forever beneath your control.
To You, O God, I Come -- Psalm 111 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1. To you, O God, I come in great thanksgiving.
God Our Creator (God Of All Glory) -- Psalm 29 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
1. God, our Creator, source of all strength,
Let Us Watch And Wait With Jesus -- Psalm 33:12-22 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
1. Let us watch and wait for Jesus, To fulfill his promise fair,
Creator God, We Praise Your Name -- Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
1. Creator God, we praise your name. How awesome are the works you do!
God Has Done Great Things -- Psalm 126 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
Refrain God has done great things for us, In which we all rejoice.
The Reign Of Christ Is Here -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
1. The reign of Christ is here! Good Christian friends, draw near.
Oh, To God Alone Be Glory -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, to God alone be glory, for his tender, loving care.
How Peaceful The Family With Whom The Lord Dwells -- Psalm 127 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
1. How peaceful the family with whom the Lord dwells. Security marks his control.

Drama

SermonStudio

Jesus Cleanses The Temple -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Jesus Money Changer Merchant 1
Jesus Anointed By Mary -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Judas Jesus Mary
Jesus Predicts Things To Come -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator James John Peter Jesus
Jesus In The Upper Room -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Matthew Jesus
Jesus And Mary Magdalene In The Garden -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Mary Magdalene Peter John Jesus
Jesus Ascends To Heaven -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Andrew Jesus
Jesus By The Sea Of Galilee -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Jesus
Jesus And Doubting Thomas -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Peter John Jesus
Jesus On The Road To Emmaus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Cleopas Cleopas' Friend
Jesus Before Pilate -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Pilate Caiaphas Roman Soldier Jesus

Sermon

SermonStudio

Talented People -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them
Married To The Holy One Of Israel -- William J. Rauch -- 2013
An old and experienced rabbi snuggled back into an overstuffed airplane seat, quite prepared to slee
God's Plumb Line -- Amos 7:7-15 -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2013
Amos wasn't born a prophet, but he was a farmer.
From the Courtroom to the Cross -- A King's Journey -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John W. Clarke -- Good Friday - B -- 2011
John records more details of the crucial events of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus than any other
The Gardens of Life -- John 20:1-18 -- John W. Clarke -- Easter Day - B -- 2011
I look forward to spring and I guess that we all do especially when we have had a hard winter.
Should We Doubt Thomas? -- John 20:19-31 -- John W. Clarke -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
John's gospel has traced the development of unbelief, which culminated in Jesus' enemies crucifying
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.
Cleaning the Temple -- Cleansing Our Lives -- John 2:13-22 -- John W. Clarke -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Having heard the gospel this morning let me introduce a word from Paul when he said to the church in
A View from the Cross -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- John W. Clarke -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2011
In our text this morning we went to the place where Jesus Christ was crucified.
The Perfect Example to Follow -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John W. Clarke -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2011
As is often the case, John's gospel reports more of the contents of Jesus' instructions to his disci

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Mother's Day -- 2 Timothy 2:20-21 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God uses a clean heart. Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-21
After The Resurrection -- Luke 24:36-39 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Blessed are those who believe.
Faith -- 1 Corinthians 13:13, John 3:8 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We believe in God even if we don't see him.
Palm Sunday -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Let us praise Jesus, our Savior. Scripture: Luke 19:36-40
Buttons In Their Places -- 1 Corinthians 3:9 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We need to be in places doing our jobs.
God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
A Lesson From Wildflowers -- Luke 12:27-28, 31 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God promises to care for his people.
Jesus And Children -- 1 -- Mark 10:13-14a -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Jesus loves all of the children. Scripture: Mark 10:13-14a
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday -- Philippians 2:3, 5-8, John 15:12 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God asks us to be humble.
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany / Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Jesus desires that we seek to love our enemies.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
All Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The saints in heaven glory in an eternal sabbath.
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany / Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord / Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Faith gives us power for living.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day At its deepest level, God's judgment is all about love.

Stories

SermonStudio

God's Battleship -- John 17:6-19 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Several years ago, there was a convention of clergy gathered at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta under th
The Forgiveness Factor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
This is probably one of the best-known vignettes in all of scripture, this wonderfully appealing sto
He Descended Into Hell -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son
Cross-Bearing -- Mark 8:31-38 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
While vacationing in Mexico sometime back, my wife and I attended worship in a church that is served
God's Day Off -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
We know the importance of taking breaks.
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.
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.
Expressing The Inexpressible -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- David E. Leininger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
What can we ever say about God that is adequate?
A Winsome Witness -- Acts 8:26-40 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
He was an Ethiopian bigwig.
Hope -- John 12:20-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Word had begun to spread about Jesus.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, how grateful we are that you determined to visit us.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, O God, what we would have believed if we had lived in first century Israel.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We're starting on a journey to reach Bethlehem, O God.
Christmas Day -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Now lift up voices, sing his praise
Christmas Eve -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Everyone, come greet the day
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Lord of Hosts, we need thy presence:
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Strong name of gracious love, Be with us 'til the morrow!
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Justice, peace and hope are driven
First Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Come, thou God of earth and heaven;
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator, we understand the role that winter plays in the growth cycle.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen ...
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Psalm 137 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
By the rivers of Babylon -- there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion.

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 19 -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1989
Full seventy times seven, Lord?If I forgive another
Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1989
Two men sat in one end of a lifeboat,Sat quietly while others worked

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

"We Believe In One Baptism For The Forgiveness Of Sins" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
When I was a student in college, I worked for a man who owned
"We Believe In The Resurrection Of The Body" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
I had no idea about what was in store for me the afternoon I
Postscript: Sacraments -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
The issue of the importance and role of baptism in the
Our Father -- Luke 11:1-2 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
A young woman named Carol discovered her status as a child of the heavenly Father, in spite of the f
Heaven And God's Hallowed Name -- Matthew 6:9 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
In the Lord's Prayer, we speak to God as our Abba, our daddy.
Your Kingdom Come -- Matthew 6:9-10 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
In our study of the Lord's Prayer, we began by looking at Abba, our Father.
Your Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven -- Matthew 6:10 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
What are we praying in this petition?
Give Us Tomorrow's Bread Today -- Matthew 6:9-11 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
In 1988 while on sabbatical leave studying in Canterbury, England, I was privileged to hear Bishop J
Forgive Us -- Matthew 6:9-14 -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
Some years ago I was talking about handling problems to a friend who is a recovering alcoholic.
Save Us From The Great Ordeal And Deliver Us From The Evil One -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
A devout Christian woman once said to me, "I love the Lord's Prayer, but there is one thing in it wh

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Streams In The Desert -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Not only did Isaiah give us a beautiful metaphor of how God's Kingdom can flourish in the desert pla
The Great Stone Face -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A boy named Ernest, who grew up within sight of this famous mountain near Franconia Notch, New Hamps
The Rocks Cry Out -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
When early archeological explorations began a century ago in the Holy Land, there was some apprehens
Who Was Mad Rhoda? -- Acts 12:13 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The Bible story begins with Simon Peter in prison for his preaching Christ, and some Christians gath
Animals -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A motorist was driving in the country when his car stopped
Accidents -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Rodney Wilmoth recalls an experience several years ago when he
Actors -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A student was called on to say one line in a public school
Aged -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
When Bishop Welch was 100 years old, hundreds of his friends
Agreement -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Here's to the man who is wisest and best Here's to the man who
Babies -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The inquisitive neighbor approached the expectant mother in

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

What About Miracles? -- Matthew 12:39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
It is, therefore, inaccurate to define a miracle as something that breaks the laws of nature.
Why Do We Have To Suffer? -- 1 Peter 2:19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail.
Why Do We Speak Of The Trinity? -- John 15:26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
God's power of creation is given to us through the Holy Spirit.
Does God Help Us? -- John 14:16 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
The reason I can't help thinking of God is because God is here.
Can Prayer Change Things? -- Matthew 7:7 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
Let's stop making prayer profound, theological, and subject to traditional patterns.
What Does The Bible Mean By "Sin"? -- Romans 3:23-24 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
I fall back dazzled at beholding myself, all rosy red, at having, I myself, caused the sun to ris
What About Praying For Loved Ones? -- Colossians 4:3 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
Jesus prayed for others ... -- B. Harvie Branscomb * * *
Is There A Hell? -- Matthew 3:12b -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
One of the most pathetic aspects of human history is that every civilization expresses itself mos
Do We Have To Go To Church? -- Matthew 4:10b -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
The church is that place in human society where men are disturbed by the word of the eternal God,
What About Inclusive Language? -- Matthew 6:9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
If, through omission or commission, I have inadvertently displayed any sexist, racist, culturalis

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

The powers that be -- Romans 13:1 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The powers that be Location: Romans 13:1
A saint -- 2 Thessalonians 1:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A saint Location: 2 Thessalonians 1:10
Salty talk -- Colossians 4:6 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Salty talk Location: Colossians 4:6
The scapegoat -- Leviticus 16:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The scapegoat Location: Leviticus 16:10
See eye to eye -- Isaiah 52:8 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: See eye to eye Location: Isaiah 52:8
See how great a forest a little fire kindles -- James 3:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: See how great a forest a little fire kindles
Separate the sheep from the goats -- Matthew 25:32 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Separate the sheep from the goats
Shout for joy -- Psalm 5:11 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Shout for joy Location: Psalm 5:11
Signs of the times -- Matthew 16:3 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Signs of the times Location: Matthew 16:3
Smoother than butter -- Psalm 55:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Smoother than butter Location: Psalm 55:21

Christian Life

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Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

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Christian Faith

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 5
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150+ – Illustrations / Stories
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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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