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Worship

SermonStudio

Will You Live In The Light? -- John 8:12 -- Mary Hoover, Amy Jo Jones -- 2008
Opening Music Welcome And Announcements Call To Worship
The Living Will And Testament Of Jesus Christ -- Romans 6:6-11 -- Mary Hoover, Amy Jo Jones -- 2008
Prelude Welcome
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Come to our God, all who hunger for life,
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: On this midsummer's day, we gather as God's people
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We come to the One
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We come, to proclaim God's majesty,
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We come to this place of worship,
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Scripture tells us of how Jesus once invited Peter
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: How good it is to gather as God's people!
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: In a time of bitterness and pain,

Drama

SermonStudio

The Christmas Hedgehog -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Older Julie Jerry Elaine Deena Julie
The Magi -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?
Even The Least Among You -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them
Sampson's First Christmas -- Carlene Morton -- 2006
Sampson's First Christmas Act 1
Angels We Have Heard -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
Joseph -- The Stepfather
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
Mary -- The Favored One
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
John -- The Preparer
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
The Innkeeper
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
Meisha -- The Shepherd

Sermon

SermonStudio

Going to the Dogs -- Mark 7:24-37 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2011
There are some Bible stories that embarrass me and this is one of them.
Dirty Fingernails, Clean Hearts -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 17-23 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2011
One thing I have noticed about church people is how they usually wash up before they go to church.
Chew on This -- John 6:56-69 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2011
The sermon was a flop. Jesus had been invited to preach at the synagogue in Capernaum.
The Meal that Stays with You -- John 6:51-58 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2011
Gene Roddenberry is widely remembered as the creator of Star Trek, one of the most successful
Bread of Life -- John 6:34, 41-51 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2011
One of the things you may have noticed about the four gospels is that each, in some way, addresses t
The God Who Gives -- John 6:24-35 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2011
We had a very tasty meal.
The Light Has Come -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2010
As the Magi scanned the heavens they noticed a star brighter than all the others in the night sky.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2010
Praise God for all the wonderful things God has done in our lives and in our world!
The Gift that Matters! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
As we gather on the Sunday after Christmas we do so with a sigh of relief.
The Best Gift of All -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2010
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Memory Work -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: (To the congregation) Do you hear something?
Singing Hymns For Him -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Peter hums "Home On The Range")
Who Said That? -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: (Talking on the telephone) Hello, Norman? This is Peter.
"This Little Light Of Mine" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: (Holding flashlight, shines it all around and sings, slightly off key)
"Forgive Us Our Debts" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: The nerve of that guy! Who does he think he is, anyway? Trying to cheat me like that.
I'm Allergic To That Word "School" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter.Peter: Hi, Pastor.
God's Phone Number -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hello, Peter. What's the matter? You look like you lost your last friend.
On The Lighter Side -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Well, Peter, how are you today?Peter: I'm terrific!
Too Old For Heaven -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter, how are you today?
Puzzled -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: (Trying to play a hand-held computer game) Now, let's see.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 33:1-12 -- Psalm 33:1-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Praise befits the upright." This sounds right. It rolls off the tongue easily.
Psalm 32 -- Psalm 32 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Forgiveness is difficult. Oh, with little things it can be done.
Psalm 32 -- Psalm 32 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
Psalm 31:9-16 -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It was late one night, and the young people in the church were having a party.
Psalm 31:9-16 -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There are times when paranoia is a well-founded emotion. Sometimes people are out to get you.
Psalm 31:9-16 -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
At first, this psalm conjures up the words of an old acquaintance who frequently would call on the p
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In a bookshelf in my living room sits a testimony to change.
Psalm 30 -- Psalm 30 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Sometimes it seems like God has taken a powder.
Psalm 30 -- Psalm 30 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
What is the difference between happiness and joy?
Psalm 30 -- Psalm 30 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
One hears a lot these days about habits, good and bad. Most everyone has given up smoking.

Stories

SermonStudio

Look Up And Live -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Do you like snakes? Not many do.
Handling Freedom -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Have you seen those billboards that have popped up next to major thoroughfares that say things like,
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
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
Giving It Up For Lent -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Lent is not normally thought of as an occasion for levity, but ...
Transitions -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
This is one of those passages that has its roots deep in the mythology of ancient Israel.
God's Day Off -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
We know the importance of taking breaks.
Riff-Raff -- Mark 2:13-22 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Do you remember The Wonder Years on television?
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
Our Magnificent, Mysterious, Mischievous God -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
This is a fun story, one of many in scripture that is good for giggles if we allow ourselves that re

Prayer

SermonStudio

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
Our Heavenly Redeemer, as a country we remember and glorify our past battles and wars.
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
Today, our Creator, we remember those who have served our country as members of the armed forces.
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, the closer we draw to Jesus, the more wondrous are his words from the cross, "Father, forgive
Pentecost / Church -- 1 Peter 2:9 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal Spirit, some New Testament teachings are difficult to understand.
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
There comes the moment, Loving Spirit, when we are devastated by the news of a loved one's tragedy.
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Gracious, heavenly Spirit, we come to you with a specific need in mind -- the need of persons who li
Family Days -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
How unrelenting, Holy Spirit, is your call to serve your kingdom.
Mother's Day -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our gracious heavenly King, we suspect that you grieve over the headlines that tell of mothers killi

Devotional

SermonStudio

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 -- 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 -- 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 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 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 -- 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
Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry.
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances.
Christmas 2 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
We, who were first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

Poems

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Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Happiness -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Will Rogers used to talk about a druggist who was asked if he
Health -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A preacher was in the hospital. A nurse's aide was making the
Hearing -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
An Episcopal congregation in Florida installed a sound system
Heaven -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
St. Peter was talking to some new arrivals in heaven. They
Hell -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
And of course you remember the fellow who arrived in Hell and
Husbands And Wives -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A woman was fed up with the boring conferences she had to have
Impossible -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A self-service elevator had a sign which said, "Eighth Floor
Inheritance -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The professor had just finished a lecture on evolution. He
Jesus -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The late Harold Bosley said his six-year-old granddaughter
Kids -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A minister asked a group of children in Sunday school, "Why do

Faith Development

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Easter

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Thanksgiving Day

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Women's Day

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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
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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