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Worship

SermonStudio

Welcome Bread -- Genesis 18:1-16 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
When I was a college junior, a music group I played in took a trip to Europe.
Unleavened Bread -- Exodus 12:1-11 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
The other day, I picked up my daughter at high school and took her out for lunch.
Daily Bread -- Exodus 16:1-21, Luke 11:1-4 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
A few years ago, a young American man was lost in the Australian desert.
More Than Bread -- Deuteronomy 8:1-18 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
Some of my earliest memories from childhood are of times when our family gathered to eat.
Abundant Bread -- Mark 6:30-44 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
It was almost 35 years ago, but I can still see his face, staring into mine, pleading with me.
Body Bread -- 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
A few years ago, I participated in a World Hunger Meal.
Betrayer's Bread -- Mark 14:12-22 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
Good Friday is a story of betrayal. But who, exactly, betrayed Jesus that day?
The Bread Of Life -- Isaiah 25:6-8, John 6:25-35 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Jesus said, "I am the bread of life ...
The Path Of Maturity -- Ephesians 4:1-16, 1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13, Psalm 90 -- William Grimbol -- 2008
Ash Wednesday Introduction The Path Of Maturity
Day Of Nothing -- So Why Are We Here? -- Matthew 27:57-66 -- Mary Hoover, Amy Jo Jones -- 2008
Opening Music Welcome And Announcements Call To Worship

Drama

SermonStudio

Journey To The Heart Of Christmas -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Miriam Hamid David
No Small Parts -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) First Child (Lead Angel)
The Greatest News Of All -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Bureau Chief
Christmas: Before And After -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Elizabeth Mary
"Unto Us A Child Is Born... Next, On Omar" -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Jacob Omar Looseandfree
The Word Made Flesh -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Father (Aaron) Benjamin Esther
Miracles? No Problem! -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Elizabeth Mary Gabriel
Home By Another Way -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Wise Man 1 Wise Man 2
Where Is Your Lamb? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
I am the good shepherd.
Who Is Your King? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Emperor Guard Advisor Narrator Drummer

Sermon

SermonStudio

Love Actually -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2011
A young man visiting a very small town in Virginia struck up a conversation with an older gentleman
The Shepherd of Love -- John 10:11-18 -- John W. Clarke -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
As we continue our Easter journey, we are presented with an image that has stood the test of time.
Are We Withering on the Vine? -- John 15:1-8 -- John W. Clarke -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Jesus made pronouncement statements in John's gospel.
Living a Joyful Life -- John 15:9-17 -- John W. Clarke -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Throughout this Easter season we have talked about the importance of staying connected to Jesus even
Reflections of a Healthy Church -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John W. Clarke -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2011
Ascension Day is a good time for the Christian community to assess where it has been and where it is
A Time Between Time -- John 17:6-19 -- John W. Clarke -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Today is the last in the season of Eastertide.
The One that Got Away -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2011
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good
A Sense of Place -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2011
Novelist William Faulkner only knew about 100 square miles of rural Mississippi but he made it fasci
Teach Your Dollars to Make More Sense! -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2011
And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury.
Pontius Pilate on Trial -- John 18:33-37 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2011
Have you ever seen a warning sign at an old railroad crossing? "Stop! Look! Listen!" it reads.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

A Direct Line To Jesus -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, I saw you looking in the phone book. What are you doing, anyway?
The Bloofer Box -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. I'm glad you're here.
Respect For Older People -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Why do I have to say, "Ma'am"? Why should I respect older people?
Don't Wait Until The Season Is Ove -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Wasn't that a great football game at the high school yesterday, Peter?
The Sunday School Offering -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, Sunday school has started. How come you're not in class?
Where's The Berries? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, your mom tells me you don't want to go to Sunday school any more.
Free Air -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Pastor does some deep breathing exercises)
Lox vs. Pork Chops -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hello, Peter. What are you up to?
God's Gifts -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter. You look happy today.
Will Roast Pig Bring Us Luck? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, boys and girls. Good morning, Peter!

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a growing and dangerous form of Christian faith spreading around the land.
Psalm 45:10-17 -- Psalm 45:10-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Here is a woman who is given over to a new "Lord." The advice is clear, even curt.
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Leaders of all stripes have always had sycophants in abundance to sustain their delusion of power.
Psalms 42 and 43 -- Psalm 42, Psalm 43 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Thirst is a powerful thing.
Psalm 41 -- Psalm 41 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Most of us love the church.
Psalm 40:1-11 -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is an unwritten law in lines at the local supermarket.
Psalm 36:5-10 -- Psalm 36:5-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is nothing quite so wonderful as someone you can trust.
Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (v. 1).
Psalm 34:1-8 (9-22) -- Psalm 34:1-8 (9-22) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The most fervent of prayers we can offer up to God is the living out of our lives in faithfulness.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Language Of The Heart -- Psalm 98 -- David E. Leininger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things ...
A Winsome Witness -- Acts 8:26-40 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
He was an Ethiopian bigwig.
My Shepherd -- Psalm 23 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
There is a 2,000-year-old story that may or may not be apocryphal.
The Family Album -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
Laugh, Thomas, Laugh! -- John 20:19-31 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
The first Sunday after Easter is Holy Humor Sunday, as it is celebrated in many places.
A "No Surprises" Easter -- John 20:1-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
Why do so many millions gather for worship on Easter morning?
Sunday's Comin' -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
"Hope springs eternal in the human breast." "Where there's life, there's hope." You might have heard
Waiting And Remembering -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- David E. Leininger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2008
This was a special night.
Fickle Folks -- Mark 11:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Have you ever been called fickle? If you have, you probably did not like it.
Hope -- John 12:20-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Word had begun to spread about Jesus.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal God, as accustomed as we are to all kinds of people demonstrating on our streets, we find ou
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
God, our Redeemer, how refreshing it is to come again to this place of worship.
Pentecost / Church -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
How good it is, our Savior and Creator, to assemble here this morning.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Now, O God, we thank you for the end of war. What a gruesome spectacle it was.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Today, our Creator, we remember those who have served our country as members of the armed forces.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Galatians 5:1 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
What a powerful idea, Eternal God, lurks within the word independence.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Heavenly Redeemer, as a country we remember and glorify our past battles and wars.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We know what we want to pray for, O God, but we're not sure it will do any good.
Memorial Day / Independence Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, O Sovereign God, when we look at the meagerness of our gifts and abilities, we wonder wha
Thanksgiving Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Lord, the world around us is brimful of good things -- indeed the harvest has been plentiful.

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
... and they knelt down and paid him homage.... -- Matthew 2:11
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths strai
Advent 4 -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Ch
Advent 4 -- Psalm 80:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. -- Psalm 80:3
Advent 4 -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
And he shall be the one of peace. -- Micah 5:5a
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. -- Luke 3:16
Advent 3 -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Advent 3 -- Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. -- Isaiah 12:3
Advent 3 -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
... The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.... -- Zephaniah 3:15
The Ascension of Our Lord -- Psalm 47 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Fishing -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Mark Twain once said, "Do not tell fish stories where the
Flattery -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
An office boy noticed two women at lunch with his boss. Later
Flood -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A man who had survived the Johnstown Flood, and ever since
Fool And Fooled -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Henry Ward Beecher was a controversial preacher and received
Football -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
One university football coach has announced he is going to try
Forgiveness -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Two sisters kept up a feud in Scotland for 30 years. Alice
Funerals -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A Texas preacher was asked to conduct the funeral for a known
God -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A little boy one day wrote a letter to God. In it he said,
Grandparents -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Someone has observed, "Grandchildren are those remarkable
Half-Truths -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
In his autobiography, the late Senator Claude Pepper recalled

Faith Development

Bible Study

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

You can't take it with you -- 1 Timothy 6:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: You can't take it with you
You will have to give account for every idle word you speak -- Matthew 12:36 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: You will have to give account for every idle word you speak
Your labor is not in vain -- 1 Corinthians 15:58 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Your labor is not in vain Location: 1 Corinthians 15:58

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

Church Growth

Sacrament

Healing

Death

Funeral

Memorial

Observance

Christian

African-American History

Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

Men's Day

Church Leaders

Mother's Day

Gathering Prayer

Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

Fellowship

Christian Faith

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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

Richard E. Gribble, CSC
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents purchased for him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedroom. Before this, whenever Charlie needed to use a mirror, he went to the bathroom, but there he was only able to see his head and possibly his shoulders. When he got dressed up he used his parents' full-length mirror in their bedroom. Charlie was happy with his new mirror; he spent many hours in front of it.
Elizabeth Achtemeier
There is a strange belief abroad in our land at the present time, the belief that we cannot know God. Such a belief rises partly from a feeling of awe before the divine -- the feeling that God is so unfathomable, so other, so beyond our feeble understanding that we cannot possibly experience who he truly is in all of his fullness and perfection. And perhaps that is the reason that the Athenians have erected that idol "to an unknown God" that Paul encounters when he visits their city. They know that there is a god beyond them, but they cannot define him or name him.
Stan Purdum
(See Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-12.)

Psalm 66 is a song of communal thanksgiving, probably composed to celebrate some national deliverance. Because of the personal language of verses 13-20, there is some speculation that this psalm was originally two hymns, but as it stands, it contains a combination of corporate and personal prayers, both appropriate in worship.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E, L)
Schuyler Rhodes
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan? Do you make your commitments and focus your energies on one thing, but have an alternative in mind just in case things don't work out with the first one? You might call it "Plan B" or something else, but basically you're hedging your bets and covering yourself in case the situation goes south.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was still in the middle of his farewell discourse to his disciples. He was trying to comfort the despair that they were feeling when they had first heard the news (during the last supper) that Jesus would be leaving them (John 13:21, 33; 14:1). He had comforted them with the good news that he was on the way to God the Father, that in associating with Jesus, the disciples had been in fellowship with the Father (John 14:6-11). Whoever believed in him, Jesus said, would be able to do the works that he had done, even greater works (John 14:12).
Albert G. Butzer, III
Here are two statements about the world. Tell me if both of them ring true for you. The first of them is this: "The world is a beautiful place." And the second statement is this: "The world is a terrible and dangerous place." Both statements are true - don't you agree? - and yet, ironically, they seem to say the exact opposite thing. How much easier it would be to affirm one statement or the other, but not both.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contribution to humanity will live on in the minds of many under a different title, "The Birdman of Alcatraz." By nature, Robert Stroud was not a congenial man. As a youth he was always getting into fights, disagreements, and various altercations. When he was only nineteen he killed a man in a barroom brawl, was convicted of second--degree murder, and was sentenced to the Federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, since the crime was committed on Federal land.
Richard W. Ferris
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ. On a particular Saturday afternoon, the sexton was making one final check of the choir and organ loft high in the balcony at the back of the church. As he was making his inspection, he was startled to hear footsteps echoing up the stone stairway behind him. He thought the doors were all locked and that no one else was in the church. He turned to see a man in slightly tattered traveling clothes coming toward him.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Acts 17:22-31
Theme: To A Known God

Call To Worship
Leader: God is a known God who continually gives us evidence of presence.
People: God is a knowable God who extends to us the hand of hope.
All: Come, let us worship God. Amen.

Collect
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Our Cities Cry To You, O God (PH437)
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (PH376, UM384, LBW315, NCH43)
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (PH321, UM465)
There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit (PH398, UM334)
Thy Holy Wings, O Savior (UM502)
Come Down, O Love Divine (LBW508, NCH289, PH313)
O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee (OBW492, NCH502, PH357)
My Song Is Love Unknown (LBW94, NCH222, PH76)

Anthems
Praise The Lord, Service Music, Hal Hopson, CGA, Unison 2--part

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 10, 2026:

StoryShare

John Fitzgerald
Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the classic Little House on the Prairie series neared an end to her
life. At this juncture she penned an essay about hope in face of the constant current of change. Here is an excerpt from that writing: 
Frank Ramirez
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Always Be Ready" by Frank Ramirez
"Looking for God" by Peter Andrew Smith
"A Gentle Profession" by Peter Andrew Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for the Sixth Sunday of Easter direct us to sermons on the great things God’s love does, appreciating in two cases this love’s cosmic character (especially leading to a stress on justification by grace). This is an appropriate theme with the festival of the Ascension in view, which celebrates Christ’s almighty power and cosmic vindication. 

Acts 17:22-31
William H. Shepherd
Schuyler Rhodes
In Garret Kreizer's novel, God of Beer (2002), the high school social studies teacher tells the class about Gandhi's assertion that if God ever came to India, he'd have to come as bread, in order to get the attention of the starving peasants. The teacher then asks the class what form God would have to take in order to get the attention of their high school. "Beer," says one student. "Yeah," another chimes in, "it's the only thing to do around here."

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

CSSPlus

Hi there, boys and girls! How many of you have rules that you have to follow at home? (show of hands) What are some of the rules you have? (let them tell you) What about at school? Do you have rules there? What are they? (let them tell you)

Why should we even have rules? (see what they think) I think we have rules because it makes it easier for us to be together. If we are all kind to each other, we will all be happier. If there are rules, then maybe people will fight less.

Special Occasion

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