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Worship

SermonStudio

All Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Thom M. Shuman -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: At all times we are called to bless God's name.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Some have come a great distance,
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: If we will but listen,
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Before there was any time, All: there was God.
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We come -- scatterbrained, fractured by work,
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Our help is in the name of the Lord
Holy Humor Sunday -- Thom M. Shuman -- 2007
(Note: An ancient tradition is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with parties,
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year A -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Christmas Day -- Using John's Gospel Reading
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year A -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12), Psalm 98 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Christmas Day -- NOT Using John's Gospel Reading
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Eve for Year A -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Christmas Eve Service For The Christ Candle Reader A:

Drama

SermonStudio

Jesus Preaches In Nazareth -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 2 Man 1 Woman Jesus
Jesus And The Ten Lepers -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 1 Man 2 Man 3 Jesus
Jesus And Simon The Pharisee -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Wife Simon Woman Jesus
Jesus' Parable Of The Prodigal Son -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Pharisee Jesus Prodigal Son Father
Jesus And Mary And Martha -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Martha Mary Peter
Jesus And Zacchaeus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 1 Man 2 Man 3 Zacchaeus
Jesus And Nicodemus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Nicodemus Jesus Questions
Jesus And The Woman At The Well -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Disciple Woman
Jesus And Peter's Confession -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator James John Peter Jesus
Jesus And The Transfiguration -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator John Peter James Jesus God

Sermon

SermonStudio

Going Home -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
At the end of a long trip, home always looks appealing!
On Speaking Terms -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
Do you ever have moments in your life when you feel that God must have decided somehow not to be on
When God Tests Us -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Argile Smith -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2010
When we get nervous about the unknown, we can make mountains out of mole hills.
The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Two mornings a week I drive from Ontario, Oregon, to Caldwell, Idaho, to teach at College of Idaho.
Jesus Tempted in Us -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
It's good to be here with you.
Nicodemus: A Young Old Man -- John 3:1-17 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Sermon Note: This story sermon is best read with a "special" voice reserved for the scripture
The Bridge at Sychar -- John 4:5-42 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
A great deal of the Bible is quite understandable by itself.
Seeing Jesus -- John 9:1-41 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Josiah Harlan was the first American to enter Afghanistan.
Where Is Jesus? -- John 11:1-45 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
For the last few years our family has visited The Dalles, Oregon, for Memorial Day to be with my wif
Remembering Jesus -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2010
The novel The Ugly American is based upon facts of how Americans related to people in Southea

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Weather Or Not -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: I can't believe how cold it is today.
Scout Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Well, Peter, it is good to have you here this morning all dressed up in your scout u
Thankful For Firemen And Sheriff's Deputies -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. I like your hat.
Praise God Anyway! -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Peter wears a paper bag over his head)Pastor: Peter, is that you?
God Watches Over Me! -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Peter, did you see it rain yesterday?
Becoming A Church Member -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hello, there! What's your name?
Let Somebody Else Do It -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Good morning, Pastor.Pastor: Good morning, Peter. What's new?
Responsibility -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hi, Peter! What are you doing?Peter: I don't know.
Actions Not Words -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: (Talking on the telephone) Well, is that so? Same to you, too, Norman.
"... And Be Thankful" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: (Moans) Oh, I'm so upset. Boys and girls, have you ever been made fun of?

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
What Sunday school child cannot recite this psalm?
Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Today's psalm is a poem for those who have planted their standard in the ground.
Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
My daughter hates going down into our basement.
Psalm 23 -- Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm sits with incredible familiarity on the couch next to us.
Psalm 22:25-31 -- Psalm 22:25-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A cursory read through of these verses could leave us with the impression that everyone must turn to
Psalm 22:23-31 -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Take a look around and conduct an informal survey. Who is it that we lift up in our culture?
Psalm 22:25-31 -- Psalm 22:25-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In each person's life, there comes a moment of defeat and desperation.
Psalm 22 -- Psalm 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Good Friday - B -- 2009
The opening words of this psalm are etched in the minds of millions of people.
Psalm 22 -- Psalm 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The opening words of this psalm are the same ones uttered by Jesus as he hung near death on the cros
Psalm 20 -- Psalm 20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2009
Everyone wants a protector.

Stories

SermonStudio

Resolutions For A New Year -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Happy New Year! No, the calendar is not one month off. Today is New Year's Day ...
The Legend Of The North Star -- Donna J. Fetzer -- 2007
Introduction
Leaping Lepers -- Luke 17:11-19 -- David E. Leininger -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
Leaping lepers.
The Incredible Invitation -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- David E. Leininger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Imagine for a moment.
Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Three servants.
Words Of Comfort -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
"Brothers [and sisters], we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve
Memorial Day -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
The book of Joshua tells of Israel's conquest of Canaan, which appears to climax the long opening st
Family Resemblance -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- David E. Leininger -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
The internet is a fascinating place to hang out.
The Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
One of the first Bible verses my mother taught me when I was a little boy was "Lying lips are an abo
The God Of The Unlikely -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Moses is one of the genuinely towering figures of the biblical story.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It still disturbs us to recall those events, O heavenly Spirit.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Today, O God, our words are heavy for we are mindful of the pain that resides within our lives.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes words fail us, O Holy One.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, O God our Lord, we are convinced that we see the truth of life.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we are young, Our Creator, we simply don't think of death. It doesn't seem to apply to us.
Sundays After Easter -- Psalm 104 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator, how we enjoy the arrival of spring.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Your creation, O Lord, is an awesome and astounding work.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It is our intent, O Lord, to give you our undivided attention.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Master, we tried going through life under our own rule.
Easter Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator, we thank you for the gift of your creation.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 8 / Ordinary Time 8 / Proper 3 -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2009
...
Easter Day -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a
Easter 3 -- Psalm 30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the
Easter 3 -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." -- John 20:19
Easter 2 -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests
Easter 2 -- Psalm 118:14-29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Easter 2 -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
We must obey God rather than any human authority. -- Acts 5:29
Easter Day -- John 20:1-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark.... -- John 20:1a
Passion / Palm Sunday -- Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2009
Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Offering -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A certain church was taking a missionary offering. As the
One-Liners -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Yogi Berra: "If people don't want to come to the ball game,
Parachutes -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The small plane was carrying three passengers -- a Boy Scout,
Perfection -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The legendary Ted Williams had had a particularly great day
Politics -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The candidate had given a stirring but fact-filled speech. He
Prayer -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A cartoon depicted a little fellow on his knees beside his bed
Preachers -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A pastor was out calling on his flock. He came to one house
Property -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A tourist stopped by to watch a farmer who was erecting a
Quakers -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A Quaker farmer in Pennsylvania had one cow who was always
Reading -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A first grader reported to her mother that she found she could

Faith Development

Bible Study

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

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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
Contents
"Reason for Hope" by John Fitzgerald

Reason for Hope
by John Fitzgerald
1 Peter 3:13-22

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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