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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 10/Pentecost 8/Ordinary Time 15 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Isaiah 55:10-13, Romans 8:1-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Confession And Forgiveness
Proper 11 / Ordinary Time 16 -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Isaiah 44:6-8, Romans 8:12-25 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Opening Litany P: Everyday life, home, and family,
Proper 12 / Ordinary Time 17 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
Litany Of Confession
Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Isaiah 55:1-5, Romans 9:1-5 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Matthew 14:22-33, 1 Kings 19:9-18, Romans 10:5-15, Psalm 85:8-13 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
Gathering Prayer/Prayer Of Preparation
Proper 15 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 67 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 16/Pentecost 14/Ordinary Time 21 -- Matthew 16:13-20, Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 138 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 17 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Matthew 16:21-28, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Romans 12:9-21 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 18 / Ordinary Time 23 / Pentecost 15 -- Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2007
Confession, Instruction, And Forgiveness P: Holy God, in whose name we gather,
Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24 -- Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day

Drama

SermonStudio

Leaving Egypt For Home -- Matthew 2:19-23 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
Never Too Late -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
My Name Is Levi -- Mark 2:13-17 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Peter K. PerryThe tax collector Levi, who becomes Matthew, tells his story.
Living Water -- John 4:7-30 -- Pamela J. Tinnin -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
Kneeling Before Him -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
Just A Jar Of Water -- Luke 22:7-13 -- Peter K. Perry -- 2004
A Maundy Thursday story from the man in whose house Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover
What Is Truth? -- John 18:28-38 -- Pamela J. Tinnin, Bass M. Mitchell, Peter K. Perry -- 2004
Pamela J. Tinnin
The Ten Bridesmaids -- Lynn Robert Schlessman -- 2004
CharactersBillFredFoolish 1-5 (five people)
The Prodigal Son -- Lynn Robert Schlessman -- 2004
CharactersSallyJaneSon 1 (older son)
The Good Samaritan -- Lynn Robert Schlessman -- 2004
CharactersFredBillLawyerJesus

Sermon

SermonStudio

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
No Salt In The City? -- Matthew 5:13 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restore
Light! More Light! -- Matthew 5:14-16 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
From Legalism To Obedience -- Matthew 5:17-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them b
Do The Old Rules Still Apply? -- Exodus 20:24, 7-8 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion -- Matthew 5:21-26 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You have heard that it was said to the men of old, "You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall b
Adultery: Saying No And Knowing Why! -- Matthew 5:27 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery." -- Matthew 5:27
Lust: The Fire Inside -- Matthew 5:27-30 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery wit

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Have Mercy Upon Us! -- Psalm 123 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The two-year-old was visiting her grandparents, and as they gathered around the table, holding hands
O Lord, Save My Life -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There once was an eagle, a large, strong eagle who would stretch her wings and soar on the air.
Only The Father Knows -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
One day Sarah was sitting beside the window, looking out at the rain falling.
The Blessing Of God -- Psalm 133 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The psalmist says that God gives good gifts.
The Glory Of God -- Psalm 19 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
It was a new church for Sam.
Trinity Sunday -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
(Read the text aloud.) My granddaughter knows the meaning of Trinity.
The Monkey Who Wanted Misery -- Romans 8:26a -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Talk together: What is "misery"? What is the very worst thing that might happen to you?
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Call To Worship:
All Saints' Day -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
A young boy, reading about the saints, decided to become one.
Baptism -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
In our Bible story Jesus went to John the Baptist at the River Jordan to be baptized.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 111 -- Psalm 111 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (v. 10).
Psalm 114 -- Psalm 114 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm calls up some wonderful imagery.
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"I owe you one." These words came out of my mouth only yesterday as a church member graciously agree
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In the United States of America today, the average household carries a credit card debt load of seve
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The words of this psalm emerge from a grateful heart.
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
If there's one thing that people universally appreciate, it's being heard.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It's Easter. For us, this is a day of new beginnings. It is the ultimate moment. Christ is risen!
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Power is basic to our existence as human beings.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Today, Christian people everywhere celebrate an incredibly absurd notion.
Psalm 118:14-29 -- Psalm 118:14-29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Anyone can throw a party.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Gift Of The Love -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a
Catching People -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your n
Get Busy Living In Hope -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.
Love Your Enemies -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who c
Songs Of Thanksgiving -- Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your
Changing The World -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went u
The Right Thing For The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no
Don't Give Up, Give In -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wildern
Beyond Belief -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am
Second Chances -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for

Prayer

SermonStudio

MEMBERSHIP IN ANOTHER WORLD -- John 18:28-40 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 18:28-40
LOOKING AT US WITH LOVE -- John 19:1-7 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:1-7
NO DECISION AT ALL -- John 19:8-16a -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:8-16a
KING JESUS -- John 19:16b-25a -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:16b-25a
LET DEATH COME, LORD JESUS -- John 19:25b-27 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:25b-27
ACCOMPLISHED -- John 19:28-30 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:28-30
BLOOD AND WATER -- John 19:31-37 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:31-37
CEMETERY -- John 19:38-42 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 19:38-42
LORD OF THE WASHBASIN -- John 13:1-20 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 13:1-20
NAME CALLING -- John 20:11-18 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:11-18

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Exodus 20:1-17
Lent 4 -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Numbers 21:4-9
Lent 5 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Passion-Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Mark 16:1-8, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
Acts 10:34-43
Easter 2 -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 4:32-35
Easter 3 -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 3:12-19
Easter 4 -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 4:5-12
Easter 5 -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 8:26-40
Easter 7 -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

Poems

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Thanksgiving Day

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Wedding Vow

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Women's Day

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Unison Prayer

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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