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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 28 / Ordinary Time 33 / /Pentecost 25 -- Matthew 25:14-30, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Christ The King/Proper 29 -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 100 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Thanksgiving Day -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
Prelude Processional Hymn
Advent -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is a general prayer for Advent focusing on light and the presence of God with us.
Christmas Eve (1) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
Since the Christmas readings are the same for all lectionary years, these communion prayers may b
Christmas Eve (2) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
Christmas Eve (3) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer makes specific use of the familiar Christmas Eve lesson from Luke 2:1-20 with the con
Epiphany -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
This prayer is specifically written for Epiphany (January 6) as it makes specific reference to th
Baptism Of Jesus (A) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The next three prayers all focus in on the baptism of Jesus.
Baptism Of Jesus (B) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- 2007
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

Drama

SermonStudio

Moses Rocks! -- Exodus -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is designed to be performed as "Reader's Theater" with no props or scenery, or as a simple
Glean On Me: The Story Of Ruth -- Ruth -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is meant to be performed as simply as possible in one continuous act.
Solomon The Wise: You Be The Judge -- 1 Kings 3, Ecclesiastes 3 -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play is designed to be read and discussed with no properties, or presented in one act with mini
Courageous Cousins: Esther And Mordecai -- Esther -- Pat Betteley -- 2004
This play can simply be read without stage directions to promote discussion of a great Bible story,
Dust Thou Art ... Art Thou Dust? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 103 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
In preparing to write this, the third Ash Wednesday homily/drama, I was running out of ideas -- unti
Jesus Is Risen ... So What? -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Luke 24:1-12, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
This homily/drama was written -- with much more than the usual amount of blood, sweat, and tears --
But I Wasn't There ... Ya Gotta Show Me! -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Psalm 150 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
You Are There was a real television show in the '50s: back in the days when even commercial t
Just Do It! -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Hey, the Bible doesn't say anything about who ol' Ananias was, so he might have been the proprietor
Paradox -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 100 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
I hope those groaner puns won't detract from the discussion of paradox.
You Shall Be Holy -- Acts 13:44-52, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
Me, be holy? Me, with all my horrid habits and stinky sins? I can't do that!

Sermon

SermonStudio

Are You Going To(o) Fast? -- Matthew 6:16-18 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that t
Is Your Reward Waiting? -- Matthew 6:2, 1 Corinthians 15:58 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
... they have received their reward. -- Matthew 6:2
What Does The Bible Say About Materialism? -- Matthew 6:19-33 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves
Television: The Plug-In Drug -- Matthew 6:22-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
The eye is the lamp of the body.
How To Worry Like A Christian! -- Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-7 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or
Of Logs And Specks ... -- Matthew 7:1-6 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.
Praying Through -- Matthew 7:7-11 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
The Most Famous Thing Jesus Ever Said! -- Matthew 7:12 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
So, in everything, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, for this sums up the law an
Door Number One Or Door Number Two? -- Matthew 7:13-14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Enter by the narrow gate.
The Heart Of The Matter -- Matthew 7:15-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2009
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Zacchaeus -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"It's not fair! I wish I weren't so small," sighed Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus had always been small.
All Kinds Of Doubts -- Mark 9:24 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
A father came to Jesus with his son who needed healing. He begged Jesus, "Help us!"
The Seed -- Mark 4:1-9 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
There once was a seed and in that seed was life. The seed was buried in the earth.
The House On The Rock -- Matthew 7:24-27 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus told a story about a man who built his house upon a rock and another man who built his house u
The Loving Father -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
"Alan, you are late again!" Alan's father's jaw twitched, which meant Alan's father was not pleased.
Jesus' Resurrection -- Mark 16:6 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
The small, furry, green caterpillar ate its way up the stalk of grass.
Transfiguration Sunday -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Leader, wearing dark glasses, asks the children, "Do you know why I am wearing dark glasses?" (Pause
Ask Me, I Will Do It -- John 14:1-14 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Brad was a good student.
Listening -- Mark 1:35 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Jesus was a healer.
Little Wind -- Luke 2 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Little Wind floated silently to the foot of God's throne.

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 126 -- Psalm 126 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday.
Psalm 126 -- Psalm 126 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
There's nothing quite as wonderful as looking at an old car that's been restored to its former luste
Psalm 127 -- Psalm 127 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a story about a pastor who worked for years to revive and grow a failing downtown church.
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Forgiveness is a concept common to most everyone. It covers a vast landscape, to be sure.
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Patience," the old ditty goes, "is a grace, and Grace is a little girl who doesn't wash her face."
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Back in the '60s, there was a phenomenon known as trading stamps.
Psalm 131 -- Psalm 131 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Humility is at the core of faith. Nice statement, that. But what does it mean?
Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The scholars tell us that this psalm was likely a liturgical piece used in the celebration of the Lo
Psalm 133 -- Psalm 133 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!" The words that open this pow
Psalm 133 -- Psalm 133 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Living in unity is a beatific vision.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Great Teacher -- John 14:23-29 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we wi
All For One, And One For All -- John 17:20-26 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through the
Waiting And Wasting -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the
Stupid Questions And Wisdom -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?
Earth, Wind, And Fire -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Ray Of Hope< -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
Healing And Concerned Mothers -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out.
Christ Can Do It -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in
Speaking Up For What's Right -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Guiding Angels -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken f

Prayer

SermonStudio

ENJOY THE FATHER -- John 14:1-7 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:1-7
LEAVING QUESTIONS BEHIND -- John 14:8-14 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:8-14
COVERED -- John 14:15-24 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:15-24
A GREATER SACRIFICE -- John 14:25-31 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 14:25-31
FOR THE SAKE OF FRUIT -- John 15:1-11 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 15:1-11
FRIENDS -- John 15:12-17 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 15:12-17
HARDSHIP AS SERVICE -- John 15:18--16:4a -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 15:18--16:4a
THE SIN OF UNBELIEF -- John 16:4b-15 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 16:4b-15
ALL DOUBTS WILL VANISH -- John 16:16-33 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 16:16-33
TOGETHER FOREVER -- John 17:1-5 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 17:1-5

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 89:20-37 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Proper 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
Song Of Solomon 2:8-13
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 1:20-33
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Proverbs 31:10-31

Poems

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Thanksgiving Day

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Wedding Vow

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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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