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Worship

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A Stronger Hand -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Advent 1 -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 21:25-36
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 3:1-6
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 3:7-18
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
All Saints' Sunday -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 6:20-31
Ascension Day -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 24:44-53
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Bright Monday -- Wayne H. Keller -- 2000
Bright Monday, also called Easter Monday, acknowledges the fact that God has the last laugh over sin
Christ The King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 23:33-43

Drama

Sermon

SermonStudio

Those Parentheses -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Bill Mosley -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Your name is very important.
Fire In The Hold -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Bill Mosley -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
The great luxury liner was on fire, but no one knew it.
My Laughin' Place -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Bill Mosley -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
There's an old Uncle Remus story about Br'er Rabbit.
Chimps, Mount Saint Helens, And The Holy Gust -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Bill Mosley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
They didn't get a TV Guide so they planned their television viewing by the commercial preview
Letting Go -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Bill Mosley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Michael Crichton was a doctor. But he also had other talents and the itch to write.
Blinders -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Bill Mosley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Loggerhead turtles lay eggs among the sand dunes on beaches.
Commencement Address -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Bill Mosley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Sam "Golden Rule" Jones had "quittin' meetings" for those converted at his revivals.
Theology Two Sizes Too Small -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
One of the legacies of children's writer Dr.
Salvation - Worldly, Corporate, And Dynamic -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
All religions offer salvation.
A Time To Quit Asking Questions -- Micah 6:1-8 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
We Christians should be very careful about putting a limit on serious questions concerning human and

Children's sermon

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2001
I wonder if you remember one of the characters in the popular television series, M*A*S*H.
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2001
Who is Jesus Christ?
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2001
This is the same Old Testament text that will be specified for Christmas Day in Cycles A and C.
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2001
This text continues with the passage that we read from Isaiah 61 on the Third Sunday in Advent.
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2001
If we look at the context of the passage, the words that immediately precede and follow it announce
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme

Stories

SermonStudio

''God's Gonna Trouble The Water'' -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 (15-19) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1994
"What difference is a little water going to make anyway?" Ken Taufler thundered at his friend Jim Ka
The Glory And The Pain -- Richard A. Jensen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1994
His given name was Leslie Leonard but everyone just called him "Pete." Pete was the son of very devo
Shy Alice -- John 16:12-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 1994
Alice Hawks was one of the most important members of Christ's Church in Dallas.
A Baby Wrapped In Diapers -- John 1:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1994
HBO hit the jackpot! The ratings they achieved for their special on Michael Jackson were awesome.
To You Is Born -- Luke 2:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1994
It was to be her first starring role.
A Woman Had Two Daughters ... -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Erick Nielson became acquainted firsthand with the Great Depression of the 1930s on a farm in North
Blind In One Eye ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Downtown Club was an old and well-established bastion for the shakers and movers in Dallas, Texa
Impatient Planter -- Matthew 13:1-23 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 13:1-23The Sower
A Question Of Identity -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Weeds Among The Wheat
Role Model Ignored -- Matthew 18:23-35 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 18:23-35The Unforgiving Servant

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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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