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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

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
The Bliss Of A Clean Heart -- Matthew 5:8 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. -- Matthew 5:8
Peacemaking: The Seventh Beatitude -- Matthew 5:9 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. -- Matthew 5:9
The Bliss Of A Martyr's Way -- Matthew 5:10-12 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

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.

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.

Worship Service

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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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Alyssa Spradlin
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For November 15, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Jack had a huge plastic bag full of conkers. He spent the whole of one evening with a skewer boring a hole in the conkers and threading each one on a piece of string. When he went to school next day he spent every spare minute in the playground playing conkers with his friends. He lost quite a few to start with, but he soon became very proficient, and watched with delight as his opponents' conkers gradually smashed and disappeared.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Gregory L. Tolle
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Inspiring Courage" by Argile Smith
"Investing Talents" by Gregory L. Tolle
"Monster Dandruff" by C. David McKirachan


What's Up This Week
David O. Bales
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"The End of What?" by David O. Bales
"The Aqueduct" by John Sumwalt


* * * * * * * *


The End of What?
by David O. Bales
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

SermonStudio

Richard L. Sheffield
I have a little book titled, You Are What You Believe in my library. In today's world, where belief translates so easily into violence, that title says more, I think, than John Killinger had in mind when he wrote his little book by that title on the "Apostles' Creed."
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.
George M. Bass
The church year theological clue
Derl G. Keefer
C. Neil Strait
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: God claims the earth and all who occupy it.
People: God claims the people and all who will be pure--hearted.
Leader: God is on the side of all who seek Him
People: And of those who quest for sainthood.
Leader: God's saints are those who claim His salvation,
People: The salvation bought with the blood of Jesus.
Leader: God claims the heavens and all who will occupy it.
All: We claim the land for eternity.
Joseph M. Freeman
My family and I enjoy watching professional as well as Final Four collegiate basketball. The display of talent in many players is exciting to watch. However, what I wish to offer is a mixed review on the public behavior of some coaches before referees and players. I get this sense that some coaches are freed up enough to use and to enjoy their coaching skills, because they don't have to take credit for them: a John Wooden of the great UCLA days, for instance.
Robert F. Sims
There was no doubt in Zephaniah's mind that God had had enough. His people bowed down to other gods and no longer turned to the Lord in prayer nor did they seek his help. They blindly walked their own selfish and greedy path and in their arrogance thought God would sit quietly by and do nothing. They were wrong! "Listen, the cry on the day of the Lord will be bitter… that day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish… (Zephaniah 1:14-15)." Our Lord Jesus in similar fashion spoke to the world of his day, "I did not come to bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34)."
Derl G. Keefer
The great emancipator Moses and his general Joshua, who became Commander-in-Chief of Israel, both had died. Quality leadership had nearly vanished. These were unsettled, disturbed, and reckless times. Kings and kingdoms jockey for political position ... dominating one race over another. Fierce, aggressive men struggle for possession of land caring nothing for the people they rule with an iron hand. Desperate times call for heroes who can bring calm and peace in trouble.
George L. Murphy
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How does one know anything? How can I know what is true?

One means of knowledge is reason. Two plus two equals four is an equation of reasonability. The Bible says, "The wisdom from above is ... open to reason" (James 3:17). The discipline of apologetics is the use of reason to defend the faith.
Richard C. Brand
For a man who claims that he does not know much about the coming day of the Lord, Paul has certainly written us a vivid description of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Paul speaks with authority when he says that when the day of the Lord comes, those who are dead and in the grave will be awakened by the trumpets of the angels and they will rise up and meet the Lord first. Those who are still alive when this happens will have to wait until all the dead are welcomed before they get to enter into the joy of the victorious kingdom of God.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Awake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve (NCH491, CBH609)
Battle Hymn Of The Republic (NCH610, UM717)
O Day Of God, Draw Near (NCH611, CBH370, UM730, PH452)
God Of Grace And God Of Glory (NCH436, CBH366, UM577, PH420)
We Who Would Valiant Be (NCH494)
O God, Our Help In Ages Past (NCH25, CBH328, UM117)
When I Had Not Yet Learned Of Jesus/Yee Jun Ae Joo Nim Eul Nae Ka Mol La (PH410)
Come, Labor On (PH415, NCH532)
This Little Light Of Mine (CBH401, NCH524, 525, UM585)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship
 Surely the Lord is working out his will, around the world and in this place. Boldly step forward in faith as we gather to praise God for his works in history and in our story.


Collect
 Lord, you raise up the lowly and least likely. Surprise us today as you call forth leadership in our midst. Grant us the wisdom to follow your prophets wherever they might be found. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
At the college where I teach in the religion department, we are just past midterm exams. I enjoy the excitement of my students each fall as they seem energized for another year of college life. By late September, however, absenteeism climbs, and some students drag themselves to class for a little nap.
The tradition of "fire and brimstone" preaching runs deep. With his famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Jonathan Edwards was not the first nor the last of those who passionately develop graphic themes of judgment in preaching. Fear is a pretty strong motivating factor. I have often thought that discovering a relationship with God because of the fear of eternal damnation is the epitome of spiritual selfishness. No doubt folks turn to God in fearful circumstances all of the time.

CSSPlus

Good morning! This morning I want to retell a story Jesus once told to teach us the importance of being faithful users of what God gives us. A boy named Freddy Faithful got ten dollars as a gift. He wanted to use his money very wisely so the first thing he did was set one dollar aside to give to church that next Sunday. This, the first dollar, he wanted to go to God. Then he took the second dollar and put it aside in his savings. This dollar was for a new bicycle he wanted to purchase someday. That only left him with eight dollars to spend -- not ten. But Freddy Faithful was happy.
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