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Worship

SermonStudio

Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, Psalm 22 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Good Friday - A -- 2007
Prayer Around The Cross Gathering
Easter Day -- John 20:1-18, Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
Greeting (each set is increasingly louder) P: He is risen.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
A Gospel Litany
The Holy Trinity -- Matthew 28:16-20, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Psalm 8 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
Apostolic Greeting Use 2 Corinthians 13:13 with a response.
Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- Matthew 7:21-29, Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Litany Divide the congregation into two voices.
Proper 5 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 50:7-15 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
Confession And Absolution
Proper 6 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 11 -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Exodus 19:2-8a, Romans 5:1-8, Psalm 100 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
Confession And Absolution
Proper 7/Pentecost 5/Ordinary Time 12 -- Matthew 10:24-39, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Romans 6:1b-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 8/Pentecost 6/Ordinary Time 13 -- Matthew 10:40-42, Jeremiah 28:5-9, Romans 6:12-23 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Greeting Of Peace P: From every land and nation, every city and home,
Proper 9 / Ordinary Time 14 / Pentecost 6 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Zechariah 9:9-12, Romans 7:15-25a -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Confession And Forgiveness

Drama

SermonStudio

Million Dollar Christmas -- Matthew 19:21 -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
CastEdgar 1Edgar 2Bartimaeus TintoesHeleneEssay Reader 1
The Burglar's Christmas -- Luke 15:22-24 -- Matthew Powell, O.p. -- 2004
This play, based on a short story by Willa Cather, is an allegorical retelling of the story of the p
Five Advent Candle Dramas -- Anne W. Anderson, Nelson Chamberlain, Sharon Cathcart, Linda Buff, Pamela Honan Peterson -- 2004
Advent 1 -- He's Coming! ... I HopeAdvent 2 -- I Can't Wait!
The Savior Of The World -- Nelson Chamberlain -- 2004
Characters Voice (from offstage) Narrators (six in three pairs)
Time Travelers' Tales Of The Carols -- Anne W. Anderson, Nelson Chamberlain, Sharon Cathcart, Linda Buff, Pamela Honan Peterson -- 2004
Time Travelers' Tales Of The CarolsCharactersLisa (a teenager)
I Have Seen The Lord! -- John 20:1-18 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Bass M. MitchellMary Magdala as the first witness to the resurrection.
Rock The Boat! -- John 21 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Maybe I should not read the Bible just before I go to sleep at night. "Why?" you ask.
Even The Gentiles -- Acts 10 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Peter K. Perry
Onesimus -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Peter K. Perry
Herod -- The First Christmas Grinch -- Matthew 2:1-2, 8, 16-18 -- Bass M. Mitchell -- 2004
This works well if you have costumes but it's not necessary.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Bread Of Life -- John 6:24-35 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Do not spend your whole life working for, striving for, dreaming about food that will perish, but
Namibia -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do peopl
Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2009
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how ofte
A Force To Contend With -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2009
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
You Guys Are Gonna Be Different! -- Matthew 5:1 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to
Poverty Of Spirit -- Matthew 5:3 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed Are Those Who... What? -- Matthew 5:4 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. -- Matthew 5:4
The Beautiful Attitude Of Humility -- Matthew 5:5 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. -- Matthew 5:5
Happy The Hungry Hearts -- Matthew 5:6 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
The Beautiful Attitude Of Mercy -- Matthew 5:7 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. -- Matthew 5:7

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

The Mustard Seed -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
(Ask the children's choir or congregation to sing "Hymn of Promise" by Natalie Sleeth, #707, The Uni
Knowing God -- Psalm 116:1-2 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
It was a new room for Zachary. It was his first Sunday in the three-year-old nursery.
"Come And See" -- John 1:29-42 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once a teacher asked the children at church to draw a picture of God. But they had never seen God.
All God Does, God Does Well -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Some things we can't explain, and we call them mysteries and trust God's love no matter what.
Everywhere There Was God -- John 4:5-42 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Jesus stopped at a well where he asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water.
God Is Great, God Is Good -- Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Every Sunday one of Betsy's parents drove into the circular drive of the church to deliver their chi
The Christmas Tree -- John 1:5 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Martin Luther stood silently under the cold, starry night, surrounded by the fir and pine trees of t
God's Mercy -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The psalms (Show the Psalms in the Bible.) were the prayer poems of the people.
God's Steadfast Love -- Psalm 66:8-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One night a mother, praying with her daughter, asked her how she felt when she prayed.
Good Luck? Bad Luck? Who Knows? -- Psalm 78:1-7 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
An old Chinese farmer had an old horse for tilling his fields.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Today is Pentecost. The creative power of God's Spirit (v. 30) flows today like no other day.
Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Sometimes it's hard to keep the big picture in mind.
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c -- Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The power of these words is rooted in memory.
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Here is a psalm, like many, which leans into praise and rejoicing.
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
One hears much these days about "seekers." The word in contemporary usage usually refers to people w
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The opening lines of this psalm proclaim the love of God that is both trustworthy and lasting.
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It's been said that people have short memories. It must be so.
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Steadfastness (v. 1) is not a concept that carries well into contemporary culture.
Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!" How often do we give credit where it's due?
Psalm 111 -- Psalm 111 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Convincing someone of an idea is not an easy task.

Stories

SermonStudio

Filled With Expectations -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning J
Child Of Joy -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she en
The Uniqueness Of Christ's Birth -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Gregory L. Tolle -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.
Home Not Alone -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover.
Am I A Sheep Or A Goat? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2006
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the thro
A New Paradigm For Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2006
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, w
The Magi Got A Gift, Too -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star ha
What Do The Voices Say? -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the
Not Forsaken -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindi
Please Don't Amputate The Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, a

Prayer

SermonStudio

SLIPPING OVER CLIFFS -- John 10:11-21 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 10:11-21
NEVER ALONE -- John 10:22-42 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 10:22-42
BE THE LIGHT -- John 11:1-16 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:1-16
OPENING DEATH'S DARK EYES -- John 11:17-27 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:17-27
CRY FOR US -- John 11:28-44 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:28-44
ANY ONE OF US -- John 11:45-57 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 11:45-57
TIME AT HIS FEET -- John 12:1-8 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 12:1-8
BEING DIED FOR BY THE MESSIAH -- John 12:9-26 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 12:9-26
OFF BALANCE, BUT PIOUS? -- John 12:27-43 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 12:27-43
WALKING AWAY BEWILDERED -- John 20:1-10 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:1-10

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3 -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2008
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Epiphany 4 -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28, Psalm 111 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2008
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Epiphany 5 -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2008
Isaiah 40:21-31
Epiphany 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
2 Kings 5:1-14
Epiphany 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
Isaiah 43:18-25
Epiphany 8 -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22, Psalm 103:1-13, 22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2008
Hosea 2:14-20
Epiphany 9 -- Deuteronomy 5:12-15, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 81:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- 2008
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9, Psalm 50:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
2 Kings 2:1-12 Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.
Lent 1 -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Genesis 9:8-17
Lent 2 -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations.

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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

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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